Emile Durkheim; Division of Labour in Society
Durkheim argued that social structure depends on the level of division of labour in a society .In other words, in the manner in which tasks are performed. Thus, a task such as providing food can be carried out almost totally by one individual or can be divided among many people .The latter pattern typically occurs in modern societies;cultivation,processing,distribution and retailing of a single food item are performed by literally hundreds of people.
In societies in which there is minimal division of labour, a collective consciousness develops with emphasis on group solidarity, implying that all individuals perform the same tasks. Since everyone is engaged in similar work, each person prepares food, hunts, makes clothing, and builds homes and so forth. People have few options regarding what to do with their lives, consequently, there is little concern for individual needs.Instead, the group will is the dominating force in society. Both social interaction and negotiation are based on close, intimate, face to face social contacts. Since there is little specialization, there are few social roles.
As societies become more advanced technologically, greater division of labor takes place. The person who cuts down timber is not the same person who puts up your roof. With increasing specialization, many different tasks must be performed by different individuals even in manufacturing items such as radios or stoves.
In general, social interactions became less personal than in societies characterized by mechanical solidarity. We begin relating to others on the basis of their social position rather than their distinctive human qualities. Social roles are perpetual flux as the overall social structure of the society continues to change.
In Durkheim’s theory, organic solidarity involves a collective consciousness resting on the society’s need members have for one another. When society becomes more complex and there is greater division of labour no individual can do it
In societies in which there is minimal division of labour, a collective consciousness develops with emphasis on group solidarity, implying that all individuals perform the same tasks. Since everyone is engaged in similar work, each person prepares food, hunts, makes clothing, and builds homes and so forth. People have few options regarding what to do with their lives, consequently, there is little concern for individual needs.Instead, the group will is the dominating force in society. Both social interaction and negotiation are based on close, intimate, face to face social contacts. Since there is little specialization, there are few social roles.
As societies become more advanced technologically, greater division of labor takes place. The person who cuts down timber is not the same person who puts up your roof. With increasing specialization, many different tasks must be performed by different individuals even in manufacturing items such as radios or stoves.
In general, social interactions became less personal than in societies characterized by mechanical solidarity. We begin relating to others on the basis of their social position rather than their distinctive human qualities. Social roles are perpetual flux as the overall social structure of the society continues to change.
In Durkheim’s theory, organic solidarity involves a collective consciousness resting on the society’s need members have for one another. When society becomes more complex and there is greater division of labour no individual can do it
References: 1. Giddens.A.2001.Sociology.Blackwell Publishing Limited Cambridge, UK. 2. Robert.P. Gwim.1991.Encyclopedia Brittainica,Volume 27,25 3. Schaefer.P.G.1991.Introduction to Sociology.Illinous University,U.S.A