Perhaps one could symbolically express this complex of relations by saying that the narrower circle constitutes in some measure an intermediate proportionality between individuality and the expanded group. Thus the narrower circle, closed upon itself and requiring no other factor, can be seen to result in the same outcome of life chances as results from the conjunction of individuality and the large circle.

DEFINE: Simmel defines the narrower circle's structural role as an intermediate term between individual and expanded group, clarifying his proportional model of social relations.

DEFINE: Clarifies the theoretical 'intermediate proportionality' — the narrower circle functions as a symbolic intermediate that reproduces the life-chance outcomes of individuality-plus-large-group.

Georg Simmel, on individuality and social…, loc. 680