ABSTRACT

Theorizing means ordering, structuring; as such it is an isomorphic correlate of material practice, its niter ego' in the Janus-faced human existence. Both sociologist and 'culturologist' share the same sets of input/output data as empirical foundations for their theoretical models-the circumstance which seems to be responsible for many a misunderstanding as well as for most of the unnecessary feudal warfare between two disciplines. The first names his model a 'social structure', while stressing in most cases the limits enforced on Bs by As' actual performance and potentiality of manoeuvre. The second is interested primarily in how Bs come to know what their limits are and names the results of his modelling endeavours a 'cultural system'. The specific sociocultural way of ordering-through-limitation is intimately correlated with one paramount characteristic of the human condition: the link between an individual's position inside the group and his biological, 'natural' equipment is mediated.