Durkheim argues that sociology is essentially the study of social facts. He defines these social facts as expectations of behaviors that externally influence individuals. Although not all social factors are tangible they must be treated as such because they hold influence over individuals actions and behaviors. An example of a non-tangible social fact that Durkheim discusses is the what he calls the collective consciousness. The collective consciousness is defined as a body of beliefs and morals that are common and unifying within society. Durkheim argues that this collectiveness of conscious regulates morality and guides behavior in society even within labor. When discussing labor, collective consciousness is strongest when in a society that has a mechanical solidarity rather then organic solidarity. Solidarity being the integration of peoples within a society. The kind of solidarity that exists in a society is greatly dependent on the kind of society and the divisions within that society.
An organic solidarity is based on differences of individuals and institutions; there is a division of labor within society which focuses on specialization and individualization. Each division of labor is specialized in function such as an organ in the human body and the body is society. This solidarity is works due to interdependence. The body (society) will only function properly as long as the organs (specialized divisions of labor) work. Organic solidarity is found within large populations of people such as cities where society is less personal. The focus on individualism within this solidarity is what weakens the collective consciousness. Collective consciousness is stronger where mechanical solidarity is prevalent in society.
A mechanical solidarity is based on alikeness amongst individuals. The emphasis is on values, beliefs, similar upbringings and religion. Rather then focusing on independence, the focus is emphasized on the group thus strengthening collective consciousness. This exists in small, traditional tight knit communities where social interaction is intimate and personal. The division of labor is more lower and members in society do not have very specialized tasks. Rather the division of labor is based on traditional expectations of those within the community. An example of mechanical solidarity is the Amish community. This can be seen from the Amish communities appearance to the divisions of labor. The appearance of the Amish community stands out but gives them a sense of homogeneity amongst themselves. The clothing they choose to don is rooted in their beliefs of modesty and simplicity. The division in labor is organized as simply as possible, along gender lines. The men participate in physical labor while the women focus their attentions to cooking and household labor. Within this division of labor, people help one another with a variety of jobs and there is little specialization of tasks. Living in the closed community gives the Amish a great sense of collective consciousness where their customs and religion play an important part in their ability to function as a whole.
An organic solidarity is based on differences of individuals and institutions; there is a division of labor within society which focuses on specialization and individualization. Each division of labor is specialized in function such as an organ in the human body and the body is society. This solidarity is works due to interdependence. The body (society) will only function properly as long as the organs (specialized divisions of labor) work. Organic solidarity is found within large populations of people such as cities where society is less personal. The focus on individualism within this solidarity is what weakens the collective consciousness. Collective consciousness is stronger where mechanical solidarity is prevalent in society.
A mechanical solidarity is based on alikeness amongst individuals. The emphasis is on values, beliefs, similar upbringings and religion. Rather then focusing on independence, the focus is emphasized on the group thus strengthening collective consciousness. This exists in small, traditional tight knit communities where social interaction is intimate and personal. The division of labor is more lower and members in society do not have very specialized tasks. Rather the division of labor is based on traditional expectations of those within the community. An example of mechanical solidarity is the Amish community. This can be seen from the Amish communities appearance to the divisions of labor. The appearance of the Amish community stands out but gives them a sense of homogeneity amongst themselves. The clothing they choose to don is rooted in their beliefs of modesty and simplicity. The division in labor is organized as simply as possible, along gender lines. The men participate in physical labor while the women focus their attentions to cooking and household labor. Within this division of labor, people help one another with a variety of jobs and there is little specialization of tasks. Living in the closed community gives the Amish a great sense of collective consciousness where their customs and religion play an important part in their ability to function as a whole.