In the beginning paragraph of this chapter Lamert (2010) advances the impression that while Durkheim‘s theory of anomie denotes a state of disorder, strategies linking modern division of labor structures seemed to emerge in response to annomie. I am in total agreement with this concept and line of thinking.
Further, Lamert (2010) actually points readers towards understanding the way social order in contemporary patterns of task distribution can eliminate the anomie posited by Durkheim. This is wonderful! Precisely, I embrace interpretations of the concepts ‘anomie’ and ‘modern division of labor’ because they can be interpreted as antonyms in a socio-linguistic context.
Lamert, Charles (2010) Social Theory: The Multicultural and Classic Readings. (4th ed)
Westview: Boulder Co.
Emile Durkheim -Mechanical and Organic Solidarity (73-77)
In this segment of the discourse Lamert (2010) was not critical of, Durkheim’s concepts relating mechanical and organic solidarity. I agree with the tone, especially, in the second half, last paragraph on page 73 where he seemed to be empathetic. The way he expounded on Durkheim’s five distinguishing features to make a declaration concerning the cultures in our modern society can be considered exemplary.
Lamert, Charles (2010) Social Theory: The Multicultural and Classic Readings. (4th ed)
Westview: Boulder Co.
Emile Durkheim -Sociology and Social Fact (78-81).
Durkheim’s contention as it relates to sociology and social facts is quite emphatic as he declares that if sociology is to be respected as a science there must be a scientific method of proving facts we encounter daily as social phenomenon. Even though quite supportive Lamert (2010) adds a little twist to it in the final paragraph on page 81 to represent the notion that facts unproven cannot be considered of any sociological significance. I agree with his position on this concept
More importantly, it could mean that when the two perspectives are examined in their entirety, sociology must be established as a science from its own merits. Methodologies might be burrowed from natural sciences to interpret data and make assumptions; but social facts must be distinct form human conditions and matter.
Lamert, Charles (2010) Social Theory: The Multicultural and Classic Readings. (4th ed)
Westview: Boulder Co.
Robert Merton - Social Structure and Anomie (229-242)
In this section of Lamert’s (2010) interpretation of Social theory he blends contemporary sociology with classical in striking a mean between Durkheim’s Anomie / Modern Division of Labor and Robert Merton’s Social Structure/ anomie in his final analysis on page 240 paragraph 2. I am in agreement with this style of thinking. The interplay of these conjoined concepts projects an historical typology whereby the common denominator ‘anomie’ is nullified first by Modern Division of labor and then Social Structure.
Lamert, Charles (2010) Social Theory: The Multicultural and Classic Readings. (4th ed)
Westview: Boulder Co.
Emile Durkheim Suicide and Modernity (81-89)
It is no doubt that Durkheim‘s contribution to suicide and modernity theories are still relevant in contemporary societies. The question is to what extent it is still useful in societies today. Lamert (2010) seems to smuggle with this applicability as well on page 87 paragraph 2, as he offers an analysis of suicide as a concept to explain its cultural impact in our world. I agree with his position that more studies are required to interpret our present situation on the phenomenon. It is clear; even if Durkheim’s work on suicide is to be discarded the need for further studies today explaining the increasing suicide rates among isolated groups is advocated.
References
Lamert, Charles (2010) Social Theory: The Multicultural and Classic Readings. (4th ed)
Westview: Boulder Co.
