Durkheim 1 Flashcards
What is DLS about?
Smith says the DoL is good (universal opulence), Marx that it is bad (exploitation, inequality). Who’s right?
How does Durkheim plan to go about conducting his study?
His method of study is to analyze the varieties of solidarity. He does this by looking at the law, connect specific laws to types of solidarity, and so by observing changes in the law, draw conclusions about how solidarity has changed over time.
How does he plan to evaluate the division of labor?
Does the division of labor increase solidarity? According to Durkheim, we must evaluate DoL from a moral point of view.
What is mechanical solidarity?
Solidarity based on similarity and institutionally expressed by repressive law.
What is repressive law?
Laws whose purpose is to inflict suffering on a perpetrator and which are administered by a specific legal body. Defends collective consciousness, i.e. similarity and does not involve duty.
What is collective consciousness?
The totality of beliefs and sentiments common to average members of society. Contains “known rules” of conduct.
What is the function of restitutive law?
Or restorative law. These repair relationships, restore a former order. It coordinates the social “organs”.
What is organic solidarity?
Solidarity based on difference, and institutionally embodied in restitutive law. A highly developed society is one which has a thorough and harmonious division of labor.
What happens to collective
consciousness and organic solidarity over time?
As organic solidarity develops, collective consciousness becomes weaker, more abstract. Individual consciousness becomes more pronounced, and the aspect of collective consciousness that does grow has to do with a shared concern for individuality.
What is crime, for Durkheim?
An act which offends collective consciousness; which society universally condemns.
