Social norms have been placed into society and have all types of effects on individuals. However, what happens when the norms in life begin to deteriorate? Durkheim explains this to be called anomie; when the social norms begin to fall apart and no longer have the same effect on individuals as they did when the norms were first introduced. For example, these norms can be what Durkheim calls collective consciousness which is beliefs that only certain people that are a part of a particular part of society have. Durkheim explains that in order for the collective consciousness to weaken society must transition from mechanical to organic solidarity. Mechanical solidarity is when the group of individuals has a lot in common as well as the same beliefs and values. Organic solidarity is the complete opposite. The individuals look for individuality and ways to identify as their own person rather than with a group of people. Each of these people brought their own characteristics to society.
While reading Durkheim’s theory I automatically thought of Greek Fraternities and Sororities. These different groups relate to mechanical and organic solidarity and just as much collective consciousness. Each sorority and fraternity represents mechanical solidarity. They all have their own colors and symbols that are put through rigorous tests so that the group members can value. Symbols that are displayed with their hands and no one is allowed to use these hand gestures unless these have gone through the stages known as “crossing.” Before entering the stages of crossing there are meetings held to see who is interested in pledging that sorority/fraternity. Rules such as GPA requirements, skills, academic history, and fee requirements are set for those interested in becoming a member of this group. The most important rule would be that none of their “secrets” should be discussed with anyone outside of the sorority/fraternity. Those who enter into the crossing stages then begin to attain collective consciousness because if these rules or guidelines were not followed then the ticket to become a member would be denied.
Once a member enters/crosses and is an official member of the sorority/fraternity then that is when the collective consciousness begins to decrease. The beliefs and values are all the same, but then positions of power within these groups come into play. Presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, etc. are all positions that a member would like to have. It gives them a sense of uniqueness and importance rather than just becoming a member like many others who hold that title. Collective consciousness decreases because if one of the members has one of the positions in power it gives them a sense of importance among everybody in the fraternity/sorority. Durkheim would say that during these stages of being a part of the sorority/fraternity instead of mechanical solidarity there has been a shift to organic solidarity and collective consciousness is at is slimmest among those in the Greek organization. Although the values of these organizations are still present they are not as strong as when they were first presented to the members, and over time some have more importance than others who are among the same “line” when they cross.
While I was reading Durkheim’s theory I thought of many different situations that I can apply it to. Greek organizations is a perfect example because although there is a switch from mechanical to organic solidarity and a decrease in collective consciousness the values stay within each member no matter their status within the sorority and fraternity. The values change with each member nonetheless the value is still there. Durkheim’s theory is a great way of seeing different institutions and individuals change over time.
While reading Durkheim’s theory I automatically thought of Greek Fraternities and Sororities. These different groups relate to mechanical and organic solidarity and just as much collective consciousness. Each sorority and fraternity represents mechanical solidarity. They all have their own colors and symbols that are put through rigorous tests so that the group members can value. Symbols that are displayed with their hands and no one is allowed to use these hand gestures unless these have gone through the stages known as “crossing.” Before entering the stages of crossing there are meetings held to see who is interested in pledging that sorority/fraternity. Rules such as GPA requirements, skills, academic history, and fee requirements are set for those interested in becoming a member of this group. The most important rule would be that none of their “secrets” should be discussed with anyone outside of the sorority/fraternity. Those who enter into the crossing stages then begin to attain collective consciousness because if these rules or guidelines were not followed then the ticket to become a member would be denied.
Once a member enters/crosses and is an official member of the sorority/fraternity then that is when the collective consciousness begins to decrease. The beliefs and values are all the same, but then positions of power within these groups come into play. Presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, etc. are all positions that a member would like to have. It gives them a sense of uniqueness and importance rather than just becoming a member like many others who hold that title. Collective consciousness decreases because if one of the members has one of the positions in power it gives them a sense of importance among everybody in the fraternity/sorority. Durkheim would say that during these stages of being a part of the sorority/fraternity instead of mechanical solidarity there has been a shift to organic solidarity and collective consciousness is at is slimmest among those in the Greek organization. Although the values of these organizations are still present they are not as strong as when they were first presented to the members, and over time some have more importance than others who are among the same “line” when they cross.
While I was reading Durkheim’s theory I thought of many different situations that I can apply it to. Greek organizations is a perfect example because although there is a switch from mechanical to organic solidarity and a decrease in collective consciousness the values stay within each member no matter their status within the sorority and fraternity. The values change with each member nonetheless the value is still there. Durkheim’s theory is a great way of seeing different institutions and individuals change over time.