The secret sheltered from the world. The question of the social, through Simmel and Saer

Abstract

This paper proposes a cross-examination around the question of the social sphere. To this end, it is assumed a matrix of Georg Simmel’s concepts, with emphasis on small social forms. Among them the secret stands out (usually considered, by common sense, as an issue that exists outside the social problems), which is analyzed with the support of Juan José Saer’s short story “Al abrigo”. In this article there is no intention to resolve a dispute over the object that is built from and for the social sciences, but it is intended, in a humbly way, to propose some unavoidable aspects for this purpose.