Emile Durkheim

Paper Summary:

This paper states that the totality of beliefs and sentiments common to average citizens of the same society forms a determinant system which has its own life and can be a collective or common conscience. The author believes that Durkheim departs from Marx by arguing that organic solidarity in modern society is due in large measure to the division of labor. The author compares Durkheim to Adam Smith by theorizing the contractual relations or exchanges necessarily developing with the division of labor.

From the Paper:

"Durkheim was more deeply worried about the lack of intermediate groups between the individual worker and the impersonal forces of government and business than was Marx. It was his position that while a division of labor was inevitable in any society because of both the disparate talents of individuals and the multiplicity of tasks that needed to be performed to maintain society, a negative organic solidarity leading to conflict could be created."

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