Georg Simmel's Theory of Intersecting Social Circles
x = a given individual
Circles intersect a lot Circles intersect only a little
Characteristic of smaller, more homogeneous societies.  (In Spencer's functionalism, a society at an early stage of development.)  Social groups overlap/intersect a lot, so most people are in the same group with lots of the same people.  A person's various social roles or personality aspects tend to reinforce each other.  There may be pressure to conform, and the individual may feel strongly embedded in society. Characteristic of larger, more diverse societies with much specialization or division of labor.  (In Spencer's functionalism, a society at an later stage of development.)  Social groups overlap/intersect only a little, so few people are in the same groups with each other.  A person's various social roles or personality aspects tend to diverge from each other.  The individual may feel free but isolated.