For Simmel, the fragmentation of social life is liberating and gratifying, whereas the fragmentation of man's experience of culture is frustrating. This is because social fragmentation promotes the conditions for developing individuality, whereas cultural fragmentation both hinders and assists man's self-development.

DEFINE: Distinguishes two distinct meanings of fragmentation in Simmel's thought — sociological versus cultural — with opposite valences.

DEFINE: Distinguishes two senses of fragmentation — social versus cultural — that pull in opposite directions for the individual.

Georg Simmel, on individuality and social…, loc. 104