...STUDIES COURSE CODE: SWD112 COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY QUESTION PICK ANY SOCIOLOGY FOUNDING FATHER, WRITE HIS OR HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOLOGY BY HEZEKIAH KELLY .M.O. D12SG0016 DATE: JUNE 2013 EMILE DAVID DURKHEIM (1858 – 1917) BRIEF HISTORY AND EARLY LIFE STAGES OF DURKHEIM Durkheim was born in the eastern Pascoag providence of Lorraine, which at that time was part of Germany, on April 15th 1858. He came from a long line of conservative French Jews but, he decided early in his life he would not follow in his family’s footsteps. He led a completely secular lifestyle. he never completely detached himself from his family or the Jewish community. Many of his colleagues and students were either from the Jewish community or of blood relation. In 1879 Durkheim entered École Normale Supérieure, as a very promising student. That year’s class was one of the most brilliant in the nineteenth century. Many of his classmates, such as Jean Jaurès and Henri Bergson, went on to become very influential to France’s history. Very early in his career, Durkheim became interested in the scientific approach to society by reading works by social scientists, Herbert Spencer and Auguste Comte, and studying with Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges. Thus, he found many problems with the French Academic System, because they had no social science curriculum. After studying social science...
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...clearly evident. The theme of this book is the relationship between individuals and society or the collectivity. It is indeed a classic study of social solidarity. In this book he reacted against the view that modern industrial society could be based simply upon agreement between individuals motivated by self-interest and without any prior consensus. He agreed that the kind of consensus in modern society was different from that in simpler social systems. But he saw both of these as two types of social solidarity. In his famous work “The Division of Labour in Society” Durkheim tried to determine the social consequences of the division of labour in modern societies. A major theme in all Durkheim’s writings is the importance of shared social norms and values in maintaining social cohesion and solidarity. He argued that the nature of this social solidarity depends on the extent of the division of labour. Meaning of Division of Labour: The concept of “Division of Labour” has been used in three ways: (i) in the sense of the technical division of labour, it describes the production process; (ii) as the sexual division of labour, it describes social divisions between men and women; (iii) as the social division of labour, it refers to differentiation in society as a whole. [It is in the third sense that Durkheim uses this term.] In a general sense, the term division of labour involves the assignment to each unit or group a specific share of a common task. As...
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...possible is a social consensus (Equilibrium or Social Harmony/agreement) – shared norms and beliefs by which society as a whole follows. Religious institutions play their part in the social consensus and also help create social solidarity. Functionalist like to keep to the status qou and any change must be very slow (evolutionary like). Durkheim says religion is an important function for society as it binds people together like a ‘Social Cement’. Durkheim: The Sacred and the Profane * Durkheim believed in an idea called THE SACRED AND THE PROFANE. Durkheim argued that the key features of religion was not the idea of believing in a certain god/goddesses or spiritual beings. But it was the fundamental distinctions between the sacred (things that are set apart, forbidden and inspire feelings of awe, fear, compassion surrounded by taboos and prohibitions.) and the profane (these are things that have no social value) found in all religions. A religion is not a set of beliefs, it involves definite rituals or practises in relation to the sacred. These rituals are often collective – performed by social groups. * Powerful feelings in believers indicates to Durkheim that this is because they are symbols representing something of great power. Durkheim suggests that this powerful force can only be society itself as society is the only thing powerful enough to command such feelings. * Sacred things are considered superior (See social action theory on symbols) * Religion...
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...LEGAL ETHICS Discuss Durkheim’s theory of social solidarity and organic solidarity. Durkheim’s theory states that a society is like an organism with different structures and functions, he acknowledges the presence of individuals and social solidarity. He believed that a society is held by a division of labour and that the structure can be changed over time. His basic argument is that there are two types of social solidarity, mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity.. Societies with limited division of labour fall under mechanical solidarity and societies with high division of labour fall under organic solidarity.In both societies individuals act according to what they are obliged to do for others,so each person is recognized for their contributions to the society.Social morality in this sense is ‘strictly necessary’ for solidarity between people to occur; without morality, “societies cannot exist.’” (Grabb, p. 79).According to Giddens (p. 73), the main substantive problem for Durkheim stems from “an apparent moral ambiguity concerning the relationship between the individual and society in the contemporary world.” Mechanical solidarity is the solidarity that comes with likeness,the early societies tended to be small and simple.Durkheim also adds that mechanical solidarity mean the common ideas and tendancies of members the societies are larger in number than individual ideas and tendencies.The division of labour was little and it was divided by sex and age.In this...
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...]Introduction: Good afternoon ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to the conference. Today Professor Durkheim will be addressing us on his views in terms of: Industrialization: Division of labour: Social Solidarity: Suicide: Religion: He has brought some of his esteemed colleagues, who will be assisting him in his presentation. Let’s Welcome Professor Durkheim. (Enter Shaun) Industrialization is associated with the urbanization of society, an extensive division of labour, a wage economy, differentiation of institutions, and growth of mass communication and mass markets. Durkheim believes that there are two aspects to the division of labour: 1. Increases both the reproductive capacity and skill of the workman, it is the necessary condition for the intellectual and material development in societies. 2. DOL has a moral character which is more important. It can create a feeling of solidarity between two or more people (Samantha) There are two types of solidarity: 1. Mechanical solidarity- links the individual to society without any intermediary. Society is organized collectively and is composed of beliefs common to all members of the group. The bond which unites the individual with society is completely analogous to that which links the thing to the person. The individual consciousness depends on the collective consciousness. 2. Organic solidarity- the society is a system of different functions united by definite relationships (83). This brings about the...
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...think. These are said to be as a consequence of the society we live in. There are many functionalists theorists who try to explain society which will be discussed below. A main Functionalist is Emile Durkheim who believes that sociology is a science. He is a structuralist and positivist and thus disagrees with empathy, meanings and the social action theory. Functionalists believe that society is based around a value consensus and social solidarity, which is achieved by socialisation and social control. Other theorists such as Marxists and feminists would argue against this. Durkheim sought to explain social stability through the concept of solidarity, and differentiated between the mechanical solidarity of primitive societies and the organic solidarity of complex modern societies. According to Durkheim, more primitive or traditional societies were held together by mechanical solidarity; these societies have people involved in similar roles so labour division is simple. Therefore, a similar lifestyle is lived with common shared norms and values and beliefs. They have a consensus of opinion on moral issues giving society a social solidarity to guide behaviour. As there is a societal agreement, there is pressure to follow the value consensus, so therefore most do. Organic Solidarity showed that Industrialisation meant population grew rapidly with urbanisation occurring. As society develops, a division of labour occurs. This is when work...
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...have been applied within modern day society. Also how useful the explanations are at reducing crime. Deviance is a normative approach, it is associated with behaviour that differs from the set norms and values set out by society. Deviance is linked to informal social control through sanctions (not by laws or government policy). In a Post Modern society – this definition of deviance would be problematic because it refers to societal norms (which would have disappeared; due to individualism making it hard to follow set norms and values). Deviance could collapse in a post-modern society. Durkheim (1895) is a positivist who proposed the concept of anomie; as an explanation as to why certain people commit crime. He believes that if individuals feel a sense of normlessness or feel as if they are separated from society then the individual is at fault and that’s is the reason they commit crime. Durkheim suggests that crime isn’t necessarily a bad thing for society, and in fact proposes four key functions of crime. He states that crime can relative, inevitable, universal and functional. This means that crime is everywhere...
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...Parsons: Values and Meaning• Parsons sees religion helping individuals to cope with unforeseen events and uncontrollable outcomes. He identifies two other essential functions that religion performs in modern society. • It creates and legitimates society’s central values. This is done my sacralising them. In the USA, Protestantism has sacralised the core American values of individualism, meritocracy and self-discipline. This serves to promote consensus and social stability. • It is the primary source of meaning. It answers ultimate questions about the human condition e.g., why the good suffer and why some die young. Such events defy our sense of justice and make life appear meaningless, and this may undermine our commitment to society’s values. Religion provides answers to such questions, e.g. by explaining suffering as a test of faith that will be rewarded in heaven. By doing so, religion enables people to adjust to adverse events or circumstances and helps maintain stability Parsons: Values and Meaning• Parsons sees religion helping individuals to cope with unforeseen events and uncontrollable outcomes. He identifies two other essential functions that religion performs in modern society. • It creates and legitimates society’s central values. This is done my sacralising them. In the USA, Protestantism has sacralised the core American values of individualism, meritocracy and self-discipline. This serves to promote consensus and social stability. • It is the primary source...
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...Crime, a Normal Element in the Society Sociologists like Emile Durkheim are more concerned with the study of deviance. Emile Durkheim’s ideas, concepts, and issues are traced, which provides explanations to why he says crime should be considered as a normal element in the society. Functionalism is one of the sociological theories that focus on issues of crime. A functionalist analyzes deviance from a societal point of view rather than the psychological nature of a person or the existing biological explanations. According to Durkheim, crime should be considered as a regular element in the society. He conquered to the consensus and social order of the society about criminal issues (Hawdon, Ryan & Agnich, 2010). His belief was that crime is not an evitable but a typical aspect of social life in different types of societies. He views it as an integral part that ensures the well-being of society. He argues that not all members of a community are equal (Durkheim, 2013). Each is influenced differently according to different circumstances he or she faces. This leads to unequal reluctance in law breaking. Durkheim is a positivist functionalist and clearly points out the reasons for why he says crime should be considered as a regular element in the society. He argues that crime should be regarded as functional and something necessary for a society but not something pathological (Hawdon, Ryan & Agnich, 2010). He says that crime is present in almost every society since each community...
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...Functionalist theories of religion Understand functionalist theories and explain the role and function of religion, and how religion contributes to social stability. Durkheim on religion: He believes that it is a central institution for creating and maintaining value consensus and social solidarity. The key feature was not the belief in God, but a fundamental distinction between the sacred and profane found in all religions. The sacred and the profane For Durkheim, the key feature was not a belief in gods, spirits or the supernatural, but a fundamental distinction between the sacred and the profane found in all religions. The sacred are things set apart and forbidden, that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder, and are surrounded by taboos and prohibitions. By contrast, the profane are things that have no special significance-things that are ordinary and mundane. Furthermore, a religion is never simply a set of beliefs. It involves definite rituals or practices in relation to the sacred, and these rituals are collective-performed by social groups. The fact that sacred things evoke such powerful feelings in believers indicated to Durkheim that this is because they are symbols representing something of great power. In his view, this thing can only be society itself, since society is the only thing powerful enough to command such feelings. When they worship the sacred symbols, therefore, people are worshipping society itself. Although sacred symbols vary...
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...in creating and maintain social solidarity and order as well as value consensus. They take on the consensus view. The first functionalist to put forward his view on religion was Durkheim who believed that religion was the origin of human thought, reason and science. Durkheim put forward a view of religion that wasn’t about gods or spirits but about the distinction between the sacred and the profane. The sacred is things that are set apart that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder. Durkheim said that religion practices rituals in relation to the sacred and these rituals are collective. He argued that because society is the only thing powerful to evoke such feelings, then people were actually worshipping society. Although Durkheim acknowledged different religion worshipped different sacred symbols, all religions perform a function in society in which brings each other into one moral community. Durkheim also did a case study in Australia of the Arunta clan to further his understanding. He talked about the clan having a sacred totem in which they would all come together and worship. Durkheim argued that this reinforced the group’s solidarity and sense of belonging. Once again Durkheim said that for religions to worship a totem, they are in reality worshipping society although they are not aware of this. The totem which they worship will inspire feelings of wonder and is so powerful of the group, the only thing powerful enough is society. Durkheim also says that religion creates...
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...which religion can still be said to be functional for individuals and for society (18 marks) Functionalists define religion as promoting social solidarity and integration. This can be described using the biological analogy- each segment of society performs a function, this maintains an equilibrium, without which society would disintegrate. Functionalists see religion as contributing positively to society, as it performs functions for the individual as it creates a sense of purpose for life, both religion for society and the individual then creates equilibrium. Durkheim argued that society worships the sacred and the profane, “The scared” are objects that set religions apart, and they are used to inspire individuals and bring other individuals together, an example of this is The Bible, The Bible is a sacred object for Christians, The Bible can bring the Christian community together as it is something that the religion worships. Durkheim believes that when people worship their sacred objects they are worshipping society. This is shown in Toteism religion, the worship of objects influence the tribe, the Aruntas, way of life. This reinforces solidarity and cohesion. Some can also say religion creates a “Collective Conscience”, as the sacred symbols can reflect society, the rituals of the religion maintains the social solidarity, and gives a sense of belonging as others share the same values and norms. This therefore suggests it has a function for society through the theory...
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...integration and social solidarity through value consensus. It is need to maintain social control Durkheim argues that religion brings people together creating social solidarity. This is done through ceremonies and ritual which unite people whether they are religious or not. He argues that most religions have ceremonies such as christenings, marriages, and funerals. Durkheim disguises between the sacred and the profane which are found in every religion. The sacred are things that are set apart or forbidden such as churches, temples. These things produce a sense of awe and respect where are profane does not. Profane are objects, activities which feature in individual’s daily life, such as shopping. Durkheim argues that ceremonies take people away from their profane part of life and bring into the sacred part of their lives. This creates a collective conscience as it unites society. Society today is more secular due to the reduction of religious beliefs rituals and ceremonies still bring people together. Functionalist would argue that even today religion still maintains social integration Durkheim argues that there is nothing special about sacred objects but they are made special because they are symbolic. He studied religious beliefs of aboriginal tribes in Australia. He looked at the use of totemism. A totemism is something that is seen as symbolically important by a group or society. He found that each group had its own totem representing their groups. Durkheim then argues that...
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...Topic 2: Emile Durkheim Many company and corporate advertisements celebrate the values of community, such as this one from Starbucks (NYT Magazine 12/17/07, p. 83). It states: Community: “People you share space with, some that you know and some that you don’t. Your lives have a common thread, a tie that binds, whether it’s where you live or beliefs you have or the fact that you give when they need. Yes, it can be as simple as that.” Discuss how this Starbucks advertisement captures the different meanings of community associated with Durkheim’s concepts of mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity. Find additional examples that illustrate the value of community as both a local and a global phenomenon. Solidarity refers to the integration amongst groups of people and neighbors within society due to social ties that may arise from common responsibilities and interests. Social bonds are created between people from these communal ties which revolves around the principles of shared morals, values, kinship and association. According to Durkheim without the smooth correspondence of morality and social organization to form a properly functioning society through social cohesion and adaption social ties will be nonexistent hence creating anomie. This essay will be covering both mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity, showing the differences and overlapping factors in relation to the Starbucks advertisement. Following Durkheim's concept of mechanical solidarity and organic...
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...consensus. Each part of society such as the family, economy and education system performs functions that help to maintain society. Functionalists such as Durkheim and Parsons seek to discover what functions that educations performs and what is does to meet society’s needs. Marxists such as Althusser and Bowle & Gintis disagree with functionalists and argues that education in modern society continues to uphold the capitalist system. The French sociologist, Durkheim (1903) argued that education provided two main functions. Firstly, social solidarity; some of the subjects taught as part of the national curriculum such as History and Citizenship helps students to understand the complexity of British culture. This sense of shared culture between children creates a strong sense of unity and commitment to a wider social group. Without social solidarity, society would fall apart as there would be no cooperation as each individual would pursue their own selfish desires making education a vital role for modern society. The second function that education has is that it prepares young people for work. Industrial societies have a specialist division of labour which prepares them for specific occupations. Education equips individuals with the specialist skills needed to participate in work in a modern economy. To summarise, Durkheim saw the educational system’s main task as projecting the norms and values of society onto the younger generation, with the secondary task of developing the...
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