Sociology essay

Sociology essay

Question two

Sociology is based on general patterns defining the organization and models of social behavior. According to Durkheim’s analysis, sociology plays an essential role in the development of division labor. He views that this is a unique modern social structure. The modern society is quite complex, and thus, the philosopher observed that individual ties and social integration bounding people were increasingly decreasing.  This was contributed by increasing diversity levels in terms of experience and division of people in various specializations and occupations. Such resulted in the sharing of less commonality, which could help in bonding them together. Regardless of that, the ability of one to undertake a specific function depended on others’ ability to perform theirs. Durkheim highlighted that sociology was achieved in modern society through organic solidary. As such, the relationship of people in the contemporary world is based on a complex system made up of interrelated parts performing functions that enhances its stability. The increase in division of labor subjected people to the development of less common features with others. However, the interdependency level increased. The individual interest which defines people’s quest to pursue individualized interests led to the improvement in coherence. This is because, for one to achieve, people had to depend on each other. Therefore, occupational structures and complex nature of the division of labor helps in the maintenance of solidarity. Such is achieved through the creation of mutual interdependence. The social order experienced in modern society is based on accepted social and economic differences. As such, organic solidarity helps in allowing people with different values to coexist.  The achievement of organic solidary brings about the development of shared norms, which enhances socialization among the members.

Question six

Social facts, according to Durkheim, are actions of the society. It outlines the reasons behind actions done by members of society to perform the same essential things. It is viewed as the concrete idea which had a basis in influencing a person’s day to life. A social fact is independent of the manifestations of an individual. Durkheim outlines that social fact is based on social institutions.  They include social institutions such as marriage, language, political organizations, and religion.  These institutions account for daily interactions between the members of society. The groups have norms that have to be followed by the members. Those who fail to conform are seen as unfit in the categories outlined. One of the notably social facts described by the socialist for illustration purposes was the “social fact” of suicide rates.  The statistics in which he obtained from various parts of Europe show that the suicide rate is influenced by religion, divorce rate, social change, and economic pace.

Nonetheless, too much or insignificant regulation and integration in society also contributed to suicide.  For instance, from the statistics, Durkheim outlined that suicide among protestants was high as compared to Catholics. As such, Durkheim views that a social cause, not an individual, cause such cases. The concept of social facts was essential to Durkheim since its provided framework through which studies regarding the behavior of society entirely can be achieved rather than individual.  As such, from Durkheim’s point of view, actions done by individual members of the community were mainly the representation of what takes place in various types of social actions. Nonetheless, social facts, according to Durkheim, were a mechanism of control. The existence of norms helped in shaping values, attitudes, and beliefs in different types of societies. Such helps in fostering reactions towards people who fail to conform to the norms stated.

Question three

According to Durkheim, morals and social are similar. Notably, his publication on “Determination of a Moral Fact” views morality as a deciphered perspective. His theoretical context is based on the notion that morality is based on abstract logical reasoning, which is created according to the existing ethical systems. The society conditions the moral phenomena from his view. The society creates moral rules which the members are accepted to adhere. The moral principles developed are existential and adequate to the needs of the community. In the creation of moral philosophy, Durkheim highlights that society has to consider its socio-historical context outlining the moral system. This helps in ensuring that the moral prescriptions outlined are according to the needs of society. This helps in preventing the risks of harming society. Moral rules are based on the physics of morality. The morality framework is prescribing ways in which individuals have to behave in various situations. It outlines the values, beliefs, and ideas provided in a framework of rules. Durkheim suggested that morality is entirely social phenomena, and thus, it does not exist outside the limitation of societal context.  Moral rules exhibited by society are characterized by the separate regulations existing in society. Durkheim outlines that morality is the central moral authority of the social context. As such, it commands adherence to its moral precepts. Therefore, society members must conform to the moral standards of society. Morality, as the central control of the issues, affected the society, allows for external conformity by the members. In such a perspective, the members are expected, regardless of the differences, to follow moral standards rules in a society strictly.