Compare Durkheim’s discussion of the division of labor with that of Marx. Discuss how mechanical and organic solidarity are connected to this concept. Also, explain any errors or assumptions you feel (if any) Durkheim makes in his conception of division of labor.

What will be an ideal response?


Durkheim explains how the division of labor (or economic specialization) characteristic of modern societies affects individuals as well as society as a whole. While Marx contended that modern, competitive capitalism, and the specialized division of labor that sustained it, resulted in alienation; Durkheim argued that economic specialization was not necessarily “bad” for either the individual or the society as a whole. Instead, he argued that an extensive division of labor could exist without necessarily jeopardizing the moral cohesion of a society or the opportunity for individuals to realize their interests.

Sociology

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Why is mobilization important for collective violence to occur?

What will be an ideal response?

Sociology

Of the following, which one was not listed in the text as a key function of the kinship system?

A) property holding and inheritance B) education of children C) housing and the maintenance of residential propinquity D) affection, emotional ties, and primary relationships

Sociology

Field experiments typically have better generalizability because they occur outside an official laboratory setting. On the other hand, there are disadvantages, which include which of the following?

a. Researchers do not have complete control over the setting. b. It may be impossible to run the experiment so that it is methodologically sound. c. Researchers are usually at the mercy of others in the setting and must abide by institutional constraints. d. All of these. e. None of these.

Sociology

If a newly married couple is expected to live with or near the husband's parents, the family structure is said to be ____

a. patrilocal b. patrilineal c. patriarchal d. matrilocal e. masculinist

Sociology