Durkheim Midterm- Study Flashcards
Social Facts
All the laws, mores, beliefs, values, customs and fashions that limit our agency. the external ways of thinking, feeling, and acting that influence individuals. Durkheim believed that social facts are independent of individuals and impose themselves on them, guiding their behavior and shaping their reality. Example: People who live in the same area tend to speak the same language, and may develop their own dialect and idioms
Social Solidarity
Social solidarity is the feeling of connection and interdependence between people in a society. It’s a key function that ensures social stability and order. Durkheim believed that society’s normal state is one of solidarity, and that a lack of solidarity is a deviation from that state. He also believed that social solidarity is based on two main aspects: social integration and social regulation. Farmers, for example, produce the food that feeds the factory workers who produce the tractors that allow the farmers to produce the food.
Collective Conscience
the set of shared beliefs, values, and behaviours that bind members of a society together. Examples of collective consciousness include shared rituals, such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms, and shared values, such as laws that define right and wrong
Collective representations
Collective representations are states of the collective conscience, which are different from the states of the individual conscience. They express how a group of people perceive themselves in relation to objects that affect their social group. Examples of collective representations include the Christian cross, the Jewish Star of David, and wedding rings
Mechanical Solidarity
Mechanical solidarity is the social integration of members of a society who have common values and beliefs. These common values and beliefs constitute a “collective conscience” that works internally in individual members to cause them to cooperate. Mechanical solidarity is commonly found in pre-industrial and rural societies, such as a farming community where everyone farms the same crops.
Organic Solidarity
social integration that arises out of the need of individuals for one another’s services. In a society characterized by organic solidarity, there is relatively greater division of labour, with individuals functioning much like the interdependent but differentiated organs of a living body. One example of organic solidarity can be seen in the way that urban infrastructure is built. In order for a city to function properly, a number of different specialists are required to build and maintain its infrastructure.
Anomie
a state of instability in society or an individual that results from a breakdown of values, standards, and social controls. Durkheim believed that anomie can lead to feelings of despair, worthlessness, and a lack of purpose. He also believed that anomie can lead to increased crime and suicide rates. a single mother who is forced to commit crimes if she cannot get a job or social aid to pay for the expenses for herself and her child.
Totem/Symbol
These are symbols of a clan that represent the group’s consciousness. Durkheim believed that totems were a reflection of the impersonal power that underlies social activities. Example of a totem for Canada is the maple leaf or beaver. they represent sacred symbols embodying the collective identity of a social group.
Ritual
Durkheim defined ritual as a determined mode of action that is concerned with sacred objects and a society’s belief system. two types of rituals: positive rituals that celebrate sacred objects, and negative rituals that protect sacred objects from impurity.
Sacred
A concept that refers to things that are extraordinary, supernatural, and beyond the reach of mortals. The sacred can be objects, rituals, or people that are set apart and treated with awe and respect. The sacred can be good or evil, and it can inspire feelings of awe. Gods and spirits and the bible are considered sacred but things like trees, rocks, thanksgiving dinner are also considered sacred
Collective Effervescence
Collective effervescence is the feeling of energy and harmony when people are engaged in a shared purpose. being in a stadium that erupts in simultaneous applause when a musician returns for an encore performance.
