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Unit-15: Division of Labour in Society–Mechanical and Organic Solidarity

is an increase in people’s relation, activities and reactions. With an increase in inter-activity notes
of people, complexity is created which is called dynamic or ethical density. On increase in
size and density of population, there is an increase in mutual awareness which is the main
cause of ethical density. On increase in means of transport and communication geographical
density of population also increases. When there is an increase in population, struggle for
existence also increases.
2. Increasing decline of group consciousness: From secondary factors of division of labour,
first factor is gradual loss of group conscious. Durkheim has written, “it may be seen that
speed of division of labour will be as difficult and slow as will be the group conscious
strong and definite. As opposed to this, it will be as sharp as individuals are capable of
establishing a balance with their personal environment”. In old societies where harmonies
were more, there in place of individualism there was predominance of collectivism. People
find guidance through collective well-being and emotions, but when personal well-beings
and view suppress, individual conscious over-shadows group conscious, then division of
labour and specialization thrives. On decrease and weakening of group conscious, there is
an increase in personal conscious and division of labour.
3. Decreasing impact of paternalism: Durkheim’s view is that as much will be the impact of
paternalism, opportunities of change are as less. When on the basis of paternalism, splits of
business and jobs are done in the society, then there are hindrances in development of division
of labour. When, in the society, impact of paternalism goes on decreasing, division of labour gets
encouragement. In primitive societies, where life is easy and normal, impact of paternalism is also
more, whereas in modern societies, because of specialization, impact of paternalism weakens.
In this manner, Durkheim has searched for the causes of division of labour, not in economic and
psychiatric factors, but in sociological factors.

consequences of division of labour

Durkheim has mentioned about various consequences of division of labour, which are as follows:
1. functional independence and specialization: One consequence of division of labour is that
along with division of labour, there is an increase in independence and dynamism of working
together. Through it opportunities for change of works also increase. In division of labour,
person applies his abilities in specific jobs, and because of using these abilities, they become
enhanced day by day. One consequence of division of labour is this also that a person’s job
becomes independent of his physical condition. As a result, variability of jobs also increases.
In this manner, independence of function from the organization, it being dynamic and specific
is a sign of progress. Secret of success is in functional complexity only.
2. progress of culture: Durkheim has considered culture to be a result of division of labour.
As there is development of division of labour, there is also development of culture. With
increase in size and density of population, there is an increase in division of labour which
also develops the culture. As per Durkheim, objective and job of division of labour is not
development of culture, but it is its important consequence.
3. social progress: Progress happens through change only and division of labour gives birth to
change. Change is an eternal rule of nature, which always goes on. On halt of change, progress
also halts and meaning of halt of progress is stagnancy in society, and endangerment of its life and
existence. Durkheim, in place of natural and psychological description of change, does its social
description. His view is that society is the cause of change and progress. Society is dynamic, if
society stop, progress also stops. Main cause of progress and change is also division of labour.
4. social change and personal change: Durkheim holds responsible division of labour itself for
personal and social change. For change in society, changes happening in size, distribution

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