Émile Durkheim on Suicide & Society: Crash Course Sociology #5

Summary

Émile Durkheim, a founder of sociology, explored how societies hold together and survive change, particularly through his concept of social facts—external forces shaping individual behavior. He argued that crime, for example, could be functional, helping to define societal norms. Durkheim linked the rise in suicides in modern society to a breakdown in social cohesion. He emphasized the importance of social organizations, particularly in the workplace, to restore individuals' sense of belonging. Durkheim viewed sociology as a scientific tool for diagnosing and addressing societal dysfunctions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Society is a complex structure that manages to hold together despite differences in interests, money, culture, and beliefs.
• 😀 Émile Durkheim, a key figure in sociology, focused on how society endures periods of intense change and remains cohesive.
• 😀 Durkheim saw sociology as a science aimed at understanding how societies function and diagnosing when they go wrong.
• 😀 Durkheim believed that society functions like an organism, with different parts working together to maintain stability.
• 😀 He was a pioneer in using statistical methods in sociology, particularly in his book 'Suicide' which explored social factors influencing personal actions.
• 😀 Durkheim introduced the concept of 'social facts,' which include behaviors, beliefs, and institutions that are external to individuals but influence their actions.
• 😀 Social facts are coercive, meaning they exert control over individuals, shaping behaviors such as holiday gift-giving despite personal desires.
• 😀 Durkheim's concept of the 'common consciousness' refers to the shared beliefs and morals that hold a society together, even if not everyone subscribes to them.
• 😀 Social dysfunction occurs when elements of society no longer serve their normal purpose, such as excessive crime undermining societal functioning.
• 😀 Durkheim argued that crime is not inherently a dysfunction, as it can reinforce societal morals and lead to social change, but excessive crime indicates deeper dysfunction.
• 😀 Durkheim's study of suicide linked societal structure and personal actions, showing how a lack of social integration in modern societies increased suicide rates.
• 😀 Durkheim believed strengthening social organizations, especially around workplaces, could help address societal issues like a lack of social cohesion and reduce dysfunction.

Q & A

What is the core idea behind Émile Durkheim's sociology?

Durkheim's sociology views society as an organism made up of different parts that must work together in harmony for the whole to function properly. His focus was on how societies hold together and endure change, and he proposed that sociology should be a scientific study of social facts and their role in maintaining social cohesion.

Why did Durkheim view sociology as a science?

Durkheim believed sociology should be a science like biology or medicine, using empirical methods to understand society's structure and function. He emphasized the need for well-defined methods to study social phenomena and aimed to diagnose and address social problems through scientific analysis.

What are social facts, according to Durkheim?

Social facts are defined by Durkheim as external ways of acting, thinking, and feeling that are invested with coercive power and control over individuals. These include things like laws, moral beliefs, customs, and traditions that exist outside of individuals but influence their behavior.

Can you explain how social facts are coercive?

Social facts are coercive because they exert control over individuals even when they may not consciously agree with them. For example, societal norms like gift-giving during Christmas can pressure people to act in ways they otherwise wouldn't, simply due to the influence of the tradition.

What is the 'common consciousness' in Durkheim's theory?

The common consciousness refers to the collective set of beliefs, morals, and ideas that bind a society together. These shared values shape behavior and social interactions, even if not everyone consciously holds them. It’s a powerful force that maintains social cohesion.

How does Durkheim view crime in society?

Durkheim argued that crime is a normal part of society, as every society experiences some level of criminal behavior. He believed crime could serve a purpose by reinforcing social norms and prompting changes in societal values, although excessive crime can disrupt society’s functioning.

What role does crime play in strengthening social cohesion?

Crime can reinforce social cohesion by demonstrating society's values through punishment. For instance, when someone is punished for a crime, it illustrates what behaviors are acceptable and reaffirms collective moral standards. It can also signal areas where societal norms are changing.

How does Durkheim link suicide to social structure?

Durkheim linked suicide to social structure by showing that societal changes, such as the weakening of traditional structures like religion, led to a decrease in social integration. This lack of integration made individuals feel disconnected and isolated, which contributed to higher suicide rates.

What did Durkheim mean by social integration?

Social integration refers to the degree to which individuals feel connected to their society and its values. Durkheim argued that traditional societies had high levels of integration, but as society modernized, this integration weakened, contributing to feelings of alienation and increased suicide rates.

What was Durkheim's proposed solution to the social dysfunction he observed?

Durkheim suggested strengthening social organizations, particularly those centered around work, as a way to combat the lack of social integration. These organizations would provide individuals with a sense of belonging and help restore the social cohesion that modern society had lost.