What term did Émile Durkheim use to describe the harmony required for society to function and persist?

What term did Émile Durkheim use to describe the harmony required for society to function and persist?

• A. Mechanical solidarity
• B. Community cohesion
• C. Organic solidarity
• D. Structural integration

Answer: (C)

Émile Durkheim introduced the concept of organic solidarity to describe the type of social cohesion that arises in more complex, modern societies, where individuals play specialized roles. In this context, organic solidarity reflects the interdependence of individuals who fulfill distinct functions, contributing to the overall stability and functioning of society. This harmony is rooted in the recognition of the necessity of various roles and the unique contributions they make to the collective. In contrast, mechanical solidarity, which is often associated with simpler, agrarian societies, arises from shared values and similar experiences among individuals, leading to a more uniform social fabric. Community cohesion and structural integration suggest stable relationships within a community or organization but do not specifically capture Durkheim's distinction between mechanical and organic solidarity regarding societal functioning. Thus, organic solidarity aptly illustrates the need for harmony through specialization and interdependence in a modern context, making it the most fitting term to describe the required cohesion for societal persistence.

Émile Durkheim introduced the concept of organic solidarity to describe the type of social cohesion that arises in more complex, modern societies, where individuals play specialized roles. In this context, organic solidarity reflects the interdependence of individuals who fulfill distinct functions, contributing to the overall stability and functioning of society. This harmony is rooted in the recognition of the necessity of various roles and the unique contributions they make to the collective.

In contrast, mechanical solidarity, which is often associated with simpler, agrarian societies, arises from shared values and similar experiences among individuals, leading to a more uniform social fabric. Community cohesion and structural integration suggest stable relationships within a community or organization but do not specifically capture Durkheim's distinction between mechanical and organic solidarity regarding societal functioning. Thus, organic solidarity aptly illustrates the need for harmony through specialization and interdependence in a modern context, making it the most fitting term to describe the required cohesion for societal persistence.