Anomie

Anomie

Anomie is a sociological concept that refers to a state of normlessness, where individuals feel disconnected from the collective conscience of society. This term was popularized by the French sociologist Émile Durkheim in his seminal works on the division of labor and suicide.

Etymology

The term "anomie" is derived from the Greek word "anomia," which means "lawlessness" or "without norms." It was first used in a sociological context by Durkheim to describe the breakdown of social norms and values.

Durkheim's Theory of Anomie

Durkheim introduced the concept of anomie in his book The Division of Labour in Society (1893) and further elaborated on it in Suicide (1897). According to Durkheim, anomie occurs during periods of rapid social change or stress, where traditional norms become unclear or are eroded without being replaced by new ones.

Anomie and Suicide

In Suicide, Durkheim identified anomie as one of the social causes of suicide. He argued that when individuals are not regulated by societal norms, they experience a sense of aimlessness and despair, which can lead to higher rates of suicide. This type of suicide is known as "anomic suicide."

Anomie in Modern Society

In contemporary sociology, anomie is often used to describe the feelings of isolation and meaninglessness that can arise in modern societies, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancement and globalization. The concept has been expanded to include the breakdown of social bonds between individuals and their communities.

Anomie and Crime

The concept of anomie has also been applied to the study of crime. Robert K. Merton adapted Durkheim's theory to explain deviance in his "strain theory." Merton suggested that anomie occurs when there is a disjunction between societal goals and the means available to achieve them, leading individuals to engage in deviant behavior to attain success.

Criticisms of Anomie

While Durkheim's concept of anomie has been influential, it has also faced criticism. Some sociologists argue that the concept is too broad and lacks specificity. Others suggest that it does not adequately account for the role of individual agency in the face of social norms.

See Also

• Émile Durkheim
• Suicide (book)
• Strain theory (sociology)
• Social norms

References

• Durkheim, Émile. The Division of Labour in Society. New York: Free Press, 1997.
• Durkheim, Émile. Suicide: A Study in Sociology. New York: Free Press, 1951.
• Merton, Robert K. "Social Structure and Anomie." American Sociological Review, 1938.