Theoretical Construction of a Fragmented Society: Fragmentations in Social System and in Interpersonal Relationships

In this paper, we construct a theory of fragmented society to highlight and clarify a new phase of social differentiation where social integration or recovery of balance is no longer possible to achieve by using conventional methods. We define social fragmentation as the state of institutional and interpersonal breakdown, and fragmented society as a society where social fragmentation is so severe that integration is almost impossible. We propose a pair of concepts, impersonal fragmentation (or fragmentation in the social system) and personal fragmentation (or fragmentation in interpersonal relationships) to be employed as a methodological and analytical frame to analyze complex social changes. The concepts are an adaptation of broadly used terms: system integration and social integration. This analytical distinction enables us to analyze facets of system contradictions and the breakdown of human relationships. Our theory of fragmented society suggests that social atomization, de-linkage, and systematic imbalance in a social system; and renders social isolation, identity crisis, and social conflicts in interpersonal relationships. By providing a comprehensive account of the complex intersection and fusion of fragmentations in system and in interpersonal relationships, the theory of paves the way for identifying the problems and solutions to the uncertainty and instability in contemporary society.