Emile Durkheim is best known for introducing a social theory
that views sociology as a natural science subject to empirical study. The
study, The Office of Work in Society, used a comparative approach to explain
changes at work in pre-industrial life and post-work. While Durkheim
categorized the work of ancient peoples as a unity because of its homogeneity,
their products were classified as organic solidarity, implying their heterogeneity.
The division of labor has an important role in society because it not only
depends on the establishment of economic services, but also creates harmony
among people. Anomie has contributed to chaos in social life and society
realizes this and when it revitalizes society it leads to social
reconstruction. The foremost theme of all. Durkheim's writings discuss the
importance of collective social norms and values in maintaining social
cohesion and solidarity. He argues that the nature of social relations depends
on the level of division of labor.
Durkheim was deeply concerned with the impact of the vast
structure of society and society itself on the thinking and actions of
individuals. His works, as interpreted by Talcott Parsons and others, were most
influential in shaping structural-functional theory with its emphasis on social
structure and culture. On the intellectual front, a large group of scientists
provided an insight into the study of society, most notably Fustel de Coulanges
- Emile Durkheim's teacher, he had a great intellectual influence on Emile
Durkheim's sociological thinking. He held that animal societies are integrated
mechanically and human societies are integrated by ideas. This explanation
offered Durkheim a directive to conclude how the collective conscience
(collective thoughts) influences individual motives, leading to regularity and
continuity in social life. In Durkheim's sociology one notices the enormous
influence of Simon, Rousseau and Auguste Comte. All deeply agree that when the
general prevails, the gap between individual desire and collective institution
is completely integrated. Integration, harmony and trust are therefore a basic
prerequisite for the continuity of social life. One can detect the presence of
the influence of J.S. Mill and his theory of 'Concomitant Variation' offers
Durkheim a methodological tool to explain 'dynamic density' in order to
understand 'social solidarity'. Montesquieu's ideas about the "spirit of
law" circulate with his explanation of "social solidarity".
Under the influence of Montesquieu's theory of the spirit of laws
[3], Durkheim claims that the structure of law may be different, but its
function is universally similar. Among the main roles of law are: 1. It checks
and neutralizes negative solidarity 2. It repairs the injuries caused to the
collective conscience by the actions of violators 3. It strengthens the
collectivism's belief in the power of society to do things right. place at the
right time 4. Finally, the presence of the law never means the end of crime.
Instead, law enforcement is society's voluntary response to an offender's
actions. Thus, the spirit of the law by its very nature motivates people to
internalize, to accept the dictates of society and to regard them as moral. Therefore,
the law is an incentive to promote integration between individual and
collective consciousness. There is therefore a collective correlation between
the function of law and the goal of the division of labor in society. The
division of labor is a sociological question that Emile Durkheim addresses for
various reasons.
First, he witnessed a drastic transformation of social life in
France, where the monarchy collapsed, a new middle class emerged controlling
the state apparatus, and the bourgeoisie established a presence that imposed
control over education. In France, much of society adapted to the traditional
pattern of governance, and some intellectuals also offered support for the call
of revivalists. The whole society was thus polarized into two groups, one
advocating change and the other seeking revival. Behind everything visible is
something invisible. The concern of sociology is to create a negation between
the two; is the basis of Durkheim's thinking. He argues that, in terminological
terms, the division of labor means a hierarchical gradation of occupations that
is concrete and visible. However, the professional gradation present in a given
society is governed by the size of the population, the nature of the needs of
the individual, the role of the community, the functions of the institution
present.
Conclusion:
Émile Durkheim's theory of division of labor has left an indelible
mark on the field of sociology, illuminating the intricate relationship between
specialized labor and the social fabric of societies. By distinguishing between
mechanical and organic solidarity, and warning against the perils of anomie,
Durkheim's work reminds us of the vital role of social regulation and
integration in maintaining a balanced and cohesive society. As we navigate the
complexities of modern life, his insights serve as a compass in understanding
the dynamics of human societies and fostering a sense of collective
responsibility for the well-being of our interconnected world.
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