DQ #8 - Alyssa Newton Social Theory Professor Miller...

Alyssa Newton
Social Theory
Professor Miller
04/01/14
Discussion Question #8
Week 11 #1: What is mechanical solidarity and give an example of it and explain how it
guides society. Explain how rituals can be a weapon of domination. How can it be the
basis of conflict? Explain.
Mechanical solidarity according to Durkheim has to do with a more legalistic
society. Those groups that are focused on the rituals and letter of the law rather than a
holistic approach fall into this category. While in a different type of society the situation
and all aspects of the problem would be necessary for a judgment, the social structure
related to mechanical solidarity judges based on rules only.
The first thing that comes to mind considering such a society is the people at
Westboro Baptist Church. I saw an interview once with a young woman who had grown
up in that community. She explained that even an innocent question of rituals or theology
within the church could cause removal from the community. She herself had been forced