Emile Durkheim was an interesting sociologist who’s ideas opened up many avenues of sociological study. Durkheim saw society as the sum of all social activities, and like an organism, composed itself in parts. Any organism has various components that work together in order to create a functioning being; take the human body, for example. Durkheim saw sociology as a way to improve society, a way to understand how it works and understand behavior and how groups of individuals work together to create the world we live in. Man of Durkheim’s ideas prove to be fascinating, but the division of labor and types of solidarity proved to be most intriguing.
The division of labor was a topic that we discussed in-depth in class, and is a topic that can be seen in the world around us through many different avenues. We spoke of two approaches, one being macro, the other micro. Macro refers to specific specializations, for example an individual may be a doctor, but specializes in orthopedics. Micro refers to a person who can do more than one task, this may refer to a veterinarian who treats humans as well. This can also refer to the teacher who is also a carpenter. The division of labor has three functions that include: Increasing the skill of workers, fulfilling society’s needs, and it creates solidarity. The term, solidarity, or as we defined “The glue that attaches individuals” is a very interesting subject with how it affects society. It brings people together in a way that makes them feel like they are a part of society. There are two types of solidarity that we discussed, one being mechanical, the other being organic. Mechanical solidarity is often found in societies with low populations. It has a limit on social status, and the social interaction is based on “intimate contact” Such solidarity makes me think of the Amish culture. Since this form of solidarity is described as “Emphasis is placed on the values and cognitive symbols common to the clan, tribe, or community” Amish individuals are a great example of how this form of solidarity still exists today. They are very pious, and they all live the same type of lifestyle. They must adhere to the rules given to them by their Bishop, and live simple lives. There is also a minimal division of labor in this society. Since these communities are very small, they are very close knit and share the same values and beliefs. This is also known as what Durkheim calls the collective consciousness. It refers to the beliefs common in all members of a society. However, it has weakened since society has begun to evolve from mechanical to organic solidarity. The Amish community, however, is a prime example. These individuals do not specialize in one task. For example, many Amish build their own furniture, and while the person that built it may be an expert carpenter, they may also be a farmer or welder as well. Although mechanical solidarity is less common, it still does exist in every day society as well. Take for instance my job. I work as a cashier at a golf store, but working at the register is not all I do. I often assist customers in sales, even though sales person is not my job description. I also work in back and organize apparel. Although society has changed drastically since the industrial era, earlier forms of solidarity have not been erased as a whole.
Organic solidarity is very much the opposite. It is often found in larger communities where there is a greater division of labor. Society is less personal, and relations are made based on roles/ status. Such a community is not hard to find. Chicago is a prime example of such a labor division and form of solidarity. The majority of individuals have specific jobs that they specialize in, and this comes with a specific title. There is very little social intimacy among most Chicagoans, the atmosphere of a “mom and pop” store is very seldom found. Social relationships between employee and customer are not what they used to be, in fact, there is hardly a relationship at all.
The division of labor and forms of solidarity are essential to understand the evolution of society. I found them to be very interesting since it is something I can see with my own eyes and not just read about. Using a culture such as the Amish and comparing them to Chicagoans are prime examples of organic and mechanical solidarity. It is also interesting to know a form of solidarity that existed before the industrial revolution has not disappeared completely.
The division of labor was a topic that we discussed in-depth in class, and is a topic that can be seen in the world around us through many different avenues. We spoke of two approaches, one being macro, the other micro. Macro refers to specific specializations, for example an individual may be a doctor, but specializes in orthopedics. Micro refers to a person who can do more than one task, this may refer to a veterinarian who treats humans as well. This can also refer to the teacher who is also a carpenter. The division of labor has three functions that include: Increasing the skill of workers, fulfilling society’s needs, and it creates solidarity. The term, solidarity, or as we defined “The glue that attaches individuals” is a very interesting subject with how it affects society. It brings people together in a way that makes them feel like they are a part of society. There are two types of solidarity that we discussed, one being mechanical, the other being organic. Mechanical solidarity is often found in societies with low populations. It has a limit on social status, and the social interaction is based on “intimate contact” Such solidarity makes me think of the Amish culture. Since this form of solidarity is described as “Emphasis is placed on the values and cognitive symbols common to the clan, tribe, or community” Amish individuals are a great example of how this form of solidarity still exists today. They are very pious, and they all live the same type of lifestyle. They must adhere to the rules given to them by their Bishop, and live simple lives. There is also a minimal division of labor in this society. Since these communities are very small, they are very close knit and share the same values and beliefs. This is also known as what Durkheim calls the collective consciousness. It refers to the beliefs common in all members of a society. However, it has weakened since society has begun to evolve from mechanical to organic solidarity. The Amish community, however, is a prime example. These individuals do not specialize in one task. For example, many Amish build their own furniture, and while the person that built it may be an expert carpenter, they may also be a farmer or welder as well. Although mechanical solidarity is less common, it still does exist in every day society as well. Take for instance my job. I work as a cashier at a golf store, but working at the register is not all I do. I often assist customers in sales, even though sales person is not my job description. I also work in back and organize apparel. Although society has changed drastically since the industrial era, earlier forms of solidarity have not been erased as a whole.
Organic solidarity is very much the opposite. It is often found in larger communities where there is a greater division of labor. Society is less personal, and relations are made based on roles/ status. Such a community is not hard to find. Chicago is a prime example of such a labor division and form of solidarity. The majority of individuals have specific jobs that they specialize in, and this comes with a specific title. There is very little social intimacy among most Chicagoans, the atmosphere of a “mom and pop” store is very seldom found. Social relationships between employee and customer are not what they used to be, in fact, there is hardly a relationship at all.
The division of labor and forms of solidarity are essential to understand the evolution of society. I found them to be very interesting since it is something I can see with my own eyes and not just read about. Using a culture such as the Amish and comparing them to Chicagoans are prime examples of organic and mechanical solidarity. It is also interesting to know a form of solidarity that existed before the industrial revolution has not disappeared completely.