Emile Durkheim

Definition

Emile Durkheim was a foundational sociologist who is best known for his contributions to the functionalist perspective and his theories on crime and deviance. He believed that society is like a living organism, where each part contributes to the stability and functioning of the whole. His work laid the groundwork for understanding social cohesion, the role of norms, and how society responds to deviance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Durkheim emphasized that deviance is a natural part of society and serves a function by reinforcing social norms.
2. He conducted the famous study on suicide, linking rates of suicide to social integration and the influence of social factors.
3. Durkheim introduced the concept of anomie to explain how rapid social change can lead to feelings of disconnection and a lack of societal direction.
4. He argued that every society has its own level of acceptable behavior, which varies across cultures and time periods.
5. Durkheim believed that crime is necessary for social progress, as it can challenge outdated norms and prompt social change.

Review Questions

• How did Emile Durkheim's views on deviance contribute to the understanding of its role in society?
  • Emile Durkheim viewed deviance as a natural and necessary component of society. He argued that deviance serves to reinforce social norms by highlighting acceptable behavior through contrast. This perspective allows us to understand how societies respond to deviance, often through punishment or social disapproval, which ultimately contributes to maintaining order and cohesion within the community.
• Discuss Durkheim's concept of anomie and its implications for individuals experiencing rapid societal changes.
  • Durkheim's concept of anomie refers to a state where societal norms are confused or absent, often occurring during periods of rapid social change. When individuals experience anomie, they may feel disconnected from their community and lack clear guidelines for behavior, leading to increased rates of deviance or mental health issues. This highlights how important stable social norms are for individuals' well-being and societal cohesion.
• Evaluate how Durkheim's theories on social cohesion and crime can be applied to contemporary societal issues such as gang violence or drug abuse.
  • Durkheim's theories provide a framework for analyzing contemporary issues like gang violence or drug abuse by examining the breakdown of social cohesion. For instance, rising gang violence may indicate a lack of integration among community members, where social bonds are weakened. By applying Durkheim’s ideas on collective consciousness and norm violation, we can understand these behaviors as responses to societal changes and gaps in effective norms, ultimately suggesting pathways for intervention that strengthen community ties.

Related terms

Social Cohesion: The bonds that unite members of a society, promoting harmony and shared values.

Anomie: A state of normlessness or breakdown of social norms in society, which can lead to increased deviance.

Collective Consciousness: The set of shared beliefs, values, and attitudes that operate as a unifying force within society.