Summary of Hawkins' Analysis of Durkheim's Social Solidarity Theory

Durkheim's Theory of Social Solidarity

Overview

The paper by M.J. Hawkins discusses the evolution of Émile Durkheim's theory of social solidarity post-1893 publication of "The Division of Labor in Society." Durkheim's theory hinges on assumptions about primitive social life and human nature, positing that his views evolved significantly in his later work.

Key Concepts

  1. Conscience Collective: Central to Durkheim's theory, it embodies shared beliefs in societies with mechanical solidarity. This shared conscience governs moral, political, and economic activities. In primitive societies, strict uniformity restricts individual identity.

  2. Morphological Basis of Solidarity: Primitive societies possess a segmental structure, promoting strong individual attachment. Increased population density challenges the maintenance of collective morality as individual autonomy grows.

  3. Organic Solidarity and Individualism: In advanced societies, as complexity increases, moral values become less rigid yet more focused on individual dignity. Collective commonality is replaced with shared values rooted in individualism rather than enforced conformity.

  4. Evolution of Social Structures: Durkheim posits that societies evolve from mechanical to organic solidarity, leading to diversifying moral frameworks and necessitating a re-evaluation of social cohesion mechanisms.

  5. Revised Perspectives: In later texts, Durkheim suggests that there is a crucial moral function in advanced societies. Individualism does not negate the conscience collective but instead requires a rational commitment to shared ideals, contrasting with the earlier notion of blind conformity.

  6. Underlying Change in Thought: Durkheim modifies his view on the behavior dynamics in primitive societies, acknowledging that individual actions are sometimes guided by pre-social instincts, leading to a decrease in authoritative social discipline when not in collective settings.

Conclusion

Hawkins concludes that Durkheim's later work shows a significant re-orientation in his conceptualization of social solidarity. The transition illustrates an ongoing investigation into how moral order is constructed amidst increasing individuality and social complexity, transforming the function of the conscience collective from purely governing morality to being a vital source of solidarity within advanced societies.