Durkhiem
Durkheim- Social Stratification
Emile Durkheim was a French sociologist who had a profound influence on the development of sociology. He, in turn, was greatly influenced by Auguste Comte.
Among Durkheim’s first significant works was the division of labour in society, and this is what will be discussed throughout this paper. A critique of the stratification in Durkheim’s “forced division of labour” will be provided near the end.
In Book 1, Durkheim’s main argument is that there are two types of solidarities. The two solidarities Durkheim discussed are mechanical and organic solidarity. Mechanical solidarity refers to the division of labour in the early stages, which can be described as a remarkably primitive society. Organic solidarity refers to the contemporary stages of society wherein there is a well-developed division of labour. Durkheim said that as one society changes, the other breaks down and makes way for the new.
In Book 1, Durkheim defined division of labour; he explained it as “increasing both production capacity and skill of the workman as it is necessary for the intellectual and material development of societies” (Durkheim 12). Durkheim went on to argue that if society were nothing but an economic function, people would have no morality and no reason for existence (Durkheim 15). He also believed that the economic system is insignificant compared to morality because in order to have solidarity, morality must be felt between two or more people. Morality, he said, gives rise to friendships and makes a mark on them. For instance, Friend A falls ill. Friend B feels a connection with Friend A, so he believes it is morally right to take on his roles for the day so Friend A can go home and rest (Durkheim 17).
In the book, marriage was used as an example to show how the division of labour contributes to feelings of solidarity. According to Durkheim, the division of labour is not just economics, but goes beyond that interest constituted
Emile Durkheim was a French sociologist who had a profound influence on the development of sociology. He, in turn, was greatly influenced by Auguste Comte.
Among Durkheim’s first significant works was the division of labour in society, and this is what will be discussed throughout this paper. A critique of the stratification in Durkheim’s “forced division of labour” will be provided near the end.
In Book 1, Durkheim’s main argument is that there are two types of solidarities. The two solidarities Durkheim discussed are mechanical and organic solidarity. Mechanical solidarity refers to the division of labour in the early stages, which can be described as a remarkably primitive society. Organic solidarity refers to the contemporary stages of society wherein there is a well-developed division of labour. Durkheim said that as one society changes, the other breaks down and makes way for the new.
In Book 1, Durkheim defined division of labour; he explained it as “increasing both production capacity and skill of the workman as it is necessary for the intellectual and material development of societies” (Durkheim 12). Durkheim went on to argue that if society were nothing but an economic function, people would have no morality and no reason for existence (Durkheim 15). He also believed that the economic system is insignificant compared to morality because in order to have solidarity, morality must be felt between two or more people. Morality, he said, gives rise to friendships and makes a mark on them. For instance, Friend A falls ill. Friend B feels a connection with Friend A, so he believes it is morally right to take on his roles for the day so Friend A can go home and rest (Durkheim 17).
In the book, marriage was used as an example to show how the division of labour contributes to feelings of solidarity. According to Durkheim, the division of labour is not just economics, but goes beyond that interest constituted
Cited: Coser, Lewis A.. Durkhiem the division of labour in society . New York: The Free Press, 1984. Print. Levine, Chuck. "Durkheim- Forced division of labour." Western University. Western University. Western University, London. 28 Feb. 2013. Lecture. "SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY." The Society for Social Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2013. "Sociology 250 - Notes on Durkheim." University of Regina, personal web server. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.