The “Simultaneity” of Alfred Schutz:

Simultaneity as “Growing Old Together”

Abstract

Alfred Schutz argued in Der sinnhafte Aufbau der sozialen Welt (1932) that the “We-relationship,” as the most fundamental layer in the social world, is based on the “simultaneity” of the I and Thou, and that “we grow older together” in such simultaneity. The aim of this paper is to examine the simultaneity Schutz argued by referring to his theory of inner time and descriptions of cases in which simultaneity occurs in concrete social relations, and then to investigate the problems and possibilities for sociological theories of time.

Previous studies have pointed out problems with Schutz's theory of simultaneity, these mainly related to dualistic elements. In another view, Schutz's conception in a statement such as “the intersubjectivity is a datum” is regarded as a knowledge gain in that Schutz begins to describe social relations by disregarding such problems. However, another problematic element of simultaneity is found in Schutz's theory when seriously considering the problems in Bergsonian and Husserlian concepts, which Schutz has overlooked. This is the problem of “temporality” connected with simultaneity exceeding mere instantaneity and presentness. In fact, Schutz has dealt with simultaneity as “growing older together,” but has not thematized the problem of temporality in simultaneity. This paper especially points out the difference between two kinds of simultaneity, which Schutz has confused, and then derives a view to conceive growing older together as sharing an “idealized temporality.” Finally, this paper seeks to provide an answer for the abovementioned dualistic elements and show the possibilities for relating Schutz's theory of simultaneity to wider sociological discussions and theories of time.