Social Evolution and Mechanical and Organic Solidarity

Essay from the year 2016 in the subject Sociology - General and Theoretical Directions, grade: 2, , course: History, language: English, abstract: The essay expounds on Durkheim's ideas on social evolution concerning the idea of collective consciousness or collective effectiveness. It expounds on the relationship between social condition and individuality, as under what social condition can individualism emerge and determines the relationship between mechanical and organic solidarity. Mechanical solidary is a form of social ties in traditional societies composed of small clans. Organic solidarity is a relationship in modern society where people are distant from societal norms, values, and morals. However, people are connected with bonds of organic solidarity. Modern societies have sought to understand how individuals live together in dense settings. Durkheim explains how the division of labor, social order, and solidarity are maintained. Solidarity is the connections between individuals, allowing the creation of a cohesive social unit or collective consciousness.