Summary of the Division of Labour

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Summary of The of Division of Labour in Society The overall idea of The Division of Labour in Society is that the function of divisions in labor is greater than just being the basis of civilization and that this division of labor occurs between the solidarity between groups of complementary people or partners. This solidarity is supported by the morals and laws of the society, therefore creating a cycle in which civilizations built themselves upon. Durkheim also points out that since social solidarity is dependent on the people living in that society and sociologists can only observe the effects of what solidarity presents (26). Durkheim introduces the reader to how function relates to correlation when speaking about the division of labor. He points out utilizing words such as “aim” or “goal” because they do not evoke any ideas of correspondence and give the perception that the division of labor is only to form a result (11). He goes on to discuss how morality is necessary for society to work and that there is controversy in determining the moral character of civilization. Since civilization is considered to be morally neutral, he provokes the question that if the only purpose of the division of labor is civilization, that the division of labor should be neutral as well (15). If this were the case, then there would be no reason for this division to exist and these questions would not have been posed. Durkheim then discusses solidarity between individuals and small groups. I gathered that solidarity is the feeling of unity between people who have similar interests. He also discusses how friendships form and that dissimilarity between individuals may be a cause of mutual attraction, but only differences that complement the individuals. The relations within these friendships are determined by the division of labor between the individuals in the group (17).
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