Social solidarity
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Social solidarity refers to the integration, and degree and type of integration, shown by a society or group.[1] It refers to the ties in a society - social relations - that bind people to one another. Solidarity is commonly associated with political socialism, being seen as the driving force and defining temperament behind the ideal classless work force.
What forms the basis of solidarity varies between societies. In simple societies it may be mainly based around kinship and shared values. In more complex societies there are various theories as to what contributes the sense of social solidarity.[1]
[edit] Durkheim
Émile Durkheim introduced the terms "mechanical" and "organic solidarity" as part of his theory of the development of societies in The Division of Labour in Society (1893). In a society exhibiting mechanical solidarity, its cohesion and integration comes from the homogeneity of individuals - people feel connected through similar work, educational and religious training, and lifestyle. Mechanical solidarity normally operates in "traditional" and small scale societies.[2] Organic solidarity comes from the interdependence that arises from specialization of work and the complementarities between people - a development which occurs in "modern" and "industrial" societies.[2]
The two types of solidarity can be distinguished by morphological and demographic features, type of norms in existence, and the intensity and content of the conscience collective.[2]
| Feature | Mechanical solidarity | Organic solidarity |
|---|---|---|
| Morphological (structural) basis | Based on resemblances (predominant in less in advanced societies) Segmental type (first clan-based, later territorial) Little interdependence (social bonds relatively weak) Relatively low volume of population Relatively low material and moral density |
Based on division of labour (predominately in more advanced societies) Organised type (fusion of markets and growth of cities) Much interdependency (social bonds relatively strong) Relatively high volume of population Relatively high material and moral density |
| Types of norms (typified by law) | Rules with repressive sanctions Prevalence of penal law |
Rules with restitutive sanctions Prevalence of cooperative law (civil, commercial, procedural, administrative and constitutional law) |
| Formal features of conscience collective | High volume High intensity High determinateness Collective authority absolute |
Low volume Low intensity Low determinateness More room for individual initiative and reflection |
| Content of conscience collective | Highly religious Transcendental (superior to human interests and beyond discussion) Attaching supreme value to society and interests of society as a whole Concrete and specific |
Increasingly secular Human-orientated (concerned with human interests and open to discussion) Attaching supreme value to individual dignity, equality of opportunity, work ethic and social justice Abstract and general |
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b Collins Dictionary of Sociology, p621.
- ^ a b c Collins Dictionary of Sociology, p405-6.
- ^ Collins Dictionary of Sociology, p406 adapted from S. Lukes, Emile Durkheim: His life and Work (1973) London:Allen Lane
[edit] References
- Jary, David; Julia Jary (1991). Collins Dictionary of Sociology. Glasgow: Harper Collins, 774. ISBN 0-00-470804-0.
 |
This sociology-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
