The Division of Labor in Society
The Division of Labor in Society
- 10/02/2024
- Posted by: Talib Hussain
The Division of Labor in Society by Émile Durkheim, first published in 1893, is a foundational sociological text that explores how the division of labor contributes to social cohesion and the functioning of societies. Durkheim argues that as societies evolve from traditional, simple structures to more complex, industrialized ones, the nature of social solidarity shifts from mechanical solidarity—based on similarities among individuals—to organic solidarity, which arises from the interdependence of individuals with specialized roles. He also discusses the role of law in reflecting this shift, with repressive laws in simpler societies and restitutive laws in more advanced ones. The book is essential for understanding how social order is maintained in diverse and modern societies.