23. Durkheim's Theory of Anomie

Foundations of Modern Social Thought (SOCY 151)

In the transition from mechanical solidarity to organic solidarity, brought on by increasing division of labor, industrialization, and urbanization, Durkheim argues that there will be social pathologies, which he calls anomie. These abnormal and unhealthy consequences of the change in type of social solidarity have various causes. Durkheim is best known for arguing that a lack of moral regulation leads to social pathologies, but he also argues that overregulation—in the form of forced division of labor—will lead to fatalism, a kind of anomie. Anomie resulting from excessive demands on individuals from the market is similar to Marx's notion of alienation, although Durkheim does not use the terms alienation or exploitation. For Durkheim, anomie is an irregular form of the increasing division of labor and industrialization; it is not internal to the system itself. Durkheim's optimism about capitalism and his position that people need regulation, similar to Hobbes's conception of human nature, contrast sharply with Marx's ideas.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Review of "The Division of Labor in Society"
11:14 - Chapter 2. Anomie: Abnormal Consequences of the Divisions of Labor
38:15 - Chapter 3. Comparing Anomie, Alienation and Disenchantment
43:24 - Chapter 4. Theory on Human Nature

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Fall 2009.