Durkheim's Concept of Anomie: Some Observations*

Abstract

Most interpretations of anornie emphasize the normative aspect. However, Durkheim viewed anomie as involving more than a lack of norms or a conflict of norms. Discussions in The Division of Labor in Society and Suicide show that according to Durkheim the primary threats to social solidarity in modern societies are weak or ineffective structural constraints on individualistic needs and desires. In modern industrialized societies the primary mode of social control is not a set of rules or norms, although they do have a cohesive function, but the development of solidary, interdependent social relationships among diverse individuals. Crucial in the development of solidary social relationships is the rate and nature of social change. For modern or modernizing societies the most important form of social change is industrialization. If industrialization is too rapid then the likelihood of social inequality, economic crises, and family disruption is greater. New and solidary forms of social relationships are not allowed to develop properly. This results in weak constraints on individualistic needs and desires that have been “excited” by the industrialization.

The Psychology of Anomie

“…Many who have adopted Durkheim's approach agree that anomie refers to the state of society in which collective-level disturbances result from social, political, or economic crises, abnormal developments of society or fast changing social contexts (for a review, see Bjarnason, 2009). Consistent too with Durkheim's deregulation concept is the finding that high anomie is associated with a lack of solidarity and a decline in moral standards (see Marks, 1974, Willis, 1982.…”

“…Arguably because of this, different researchers have focused on slightly different conceptualizations, ranging from an absence of norms, a collapse of the regulatory system and contexts characterized by a legal and moral vacuum (see Willis, 1982). For instance, anomie has often been referred to as a state of "normlessness" (e.g., Clinard, 1964;Passas, 1995;Thorlindsson & Bernburg, 2004).…”

Group identity and social closeness

“…Alternatively the findings can be seen in terms of anomie. The internet is seen in the Ultra-Orthodox society as destroying community boundaries, the cause of frequent changes in lifestyle (Campbell, 2006, 2010, 2011), and a loss of internal solidarity (Willis, 1982) which may account for the cultural trauma that Haredi students experience in secular colleges. Religious leaders often attempt to constrain internet use to minimize its potential threat to religious social norms and the structure of authority (Campbell, 2011).…”

“…In modern societies, the social control mechanism is not only a set of rules or norms but also social solidarity across individuals. The loss of social solidarity causes anomie (Willis, 1982). There are many reasons for anomie, including cultural trauma, since it can lead to shock and disorientation among its members and occurs when a change in culture is unexpected and the major values, identity and collective pride are at risk.…”

A Weberian Theory of Time

“…However, modern times have been characterized by an extremely pronounced division of labor, the concomitant development of a world market and, as a con-sequence, the inability on the part of the individual producers to grasp the social function of their own activities. A widespread anomic condition may follow from such circumstances (Durkheim, 1999: 350-64; see also Willis, 1982).…”