Questions and Answers
What is the definition of Anomie?
A social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting, or different from previously existing norms/values.
When does Anomie occur?
During and after periods of changes to the social, economic, or political structures in society.
What do people experiencing Anomie feel?
They feel detached from their society, hopeless, and lack a sense of purpose.
What did Durkheim write about in relation to Anomie and the Division of Labor?
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What is an anomic division of labor?
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What is anomic suicide?
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What correlation did Durkheim find between suicide and Anomie?
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What is Merton's concept of Anomie?
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How does Anomie relate to deviance in the American Dream?
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How did Anomie contribute to the development of subculture theories?
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Study Notes
Anomie Overview
- Anomie refers to a social condition characterized by weak or conflicting norms and values that diverge from previously established standards.
Causes of Anomie
- Arises during significant social, economic, or political changes. When existing norms become obsolete without new ones emerging, anomie occurs.
Impact on Individuals
- Individuals facing anomie may feel alienated from society, leading to feelings of hopelessness and lack of purpose, potentially increasing tendencies toward crime and deviance.
Durkheim's Division of Labor
- Introduced the concept of anomic division of labor in 1893, indicating disorder within the division of labor, particularly during the industrialization of European nations.
Characteristics of Anomic Division of Labor
- Defined by a workplace hierarchy based not on individual capabilities but on power and socio-economic status, disrupting normative consensus.
- Results from industrial failure, class conflicts, and the expansion of scientific knowledge.
Anomic Suicide
- This type of suicide occurs when societal structures weaken or break down, leaving individuals feeling hopeless and disenchanted.
Suicide and Anomie Connection
- In "Suicide: A Study in Sociology" (1897), Durkheim observed that Protestants, due to a focus on individualism, experienced higher suicide rates than Catholics, who benefited from stronger communal ties.
- Strong social connections help individuals cope with societal changes, while unattainable personal goals in periods of anomie lead to overwhelming stress.
Merton's Anomie Theory
- Merton described anomie as the disjunction between societal goals and accessible means. He extended the concept to formulate strain theory, explaining how societal disconnection fosters deviance.
Anomie and Deviance Connection
- The notion of the American Dream becomes unattainable in conditions of anomie. Individuals may respond through conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, or rebellion.
Application of Anomie Theory
- Durkheim's concepts set the stage for subculture theories. Albert Cohen illustrated that working-class crime often results from the divergence of norms and values between the working class and middle class.
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Explore key concepts of Durkheim's Anomie Theory with these flashcards. This study tool covers the definition of anomie, its causes, and its effects on society. Perfect for students looking to understand this sociological concept in depth.
