SOC 101 in class notes - Septemer 18, 2012 Emile Durkheim:...

Septemer 18, 2012
Emile Durkheim : collective identity and the importance of religious dynamic
Mechanical solidarity: glue that keeps people stuck because of their similarity, they are seen in
less complex societies
Organic solidarity: based on differences that are complementary (they fit together such as my
difference to your difference keeps our relationships existing) modern/modest
Division of labour: moves mechanical to organic solidarity (I’ll do the teaching if you do the
learning, I’ll take care of your children if you work in the fields)
*Structural functionalism: 2 characteristics = society has many parts. Each part has its
purpose or function. Those parts with their separate functions are integrated or joined and
become a system or a whole. Their functions are interdependent. Each part of society helps
another part. (Education helps economic system) Through a set of core values active in any
society.
Structural functions don’t always function well:
Dysfunction System: is when the structure of society fall apart and the meaning of life evaporate.
It’s an anomie which is normlessness
Anomie  nomos  norm
For exam: macro level theory/idealist and materialist/his focus on collective identity as opposed
to singular identity and role of religion in that (what is totem?) solidarity
(mechanical/organic/division of labour, definition of structural functionalism, dysfunction and
anomie
MAX WEBER= April 21, 1864-June 14, 1920
• Eldest of the 7 children born in Germany, born to a prodescent family
• Micro level theory with macro level implications
• Works relentlessly to discover the ideal type
• He argues that we only ever have an approximation of an idea (he’s an idealist)
• Family is a couple with or without children married or common law. Ideal type of
definition and what weber wants to understand is what is the essence
• Sociology is a science concerning itself with the interpretive understanding of social
action and thereby with a causal explanation of its course and consequences
• Versthehen
• Rationaility (4 th concept) : 4 kinds of reasons:
o instrumental rationality : people do things to get results, is a means to an end
rationality..go to school to get good jobs etc.
o value based rationality : we do things because we believe that they are good…go
to school because it is good or the right thing to do.
o Affectual rationality (emotional based): emotions motivate behaviour…feels good
to be in school, fear of poverty if you don’t go to school.
o Tradition based : we do thing just because that’s what people do…parents went to
school.
• Capitalism is a unique representation of instrumental and value based rationality.
• Symbolic interactionism: is about the construction of meaning in everyday life/ in the
social interaction such as bumping into people in everyday life where the meaning of life
is constructed.

On exam** Mircro level theory with macro implication/ ideal type/ fetishatian/ 4 types of
rationaility/ dynamics of power and authority/ capitalism/ uracheracy(unique configuration of