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

3. Basis of mechanical solidarity is the uniformity spread in the society, while basis of organic notes
solidarity is difference and variations. In other words, we say that mechanical solidarity is
based on uniformity and organic solidarity on division of labour.
4. Manifestation of mechanical solidarity is done in repressive laws while that of organic
solidarity in restitutive laws. In primitive societies, where repressive laws were seen, there
dominance of mechanical solidarity is found. Opposite of this, as there is development of
societies, restitutive laws take place of repressive laws. Organic solidarity is found in such
societies.
5. Mechanical solidarity emphasis on group unity while organic solid airy emphasizes on
individualism, personal independence and variation.
6. Power of mechanical solidarity is found on group consciousness where as origin of
organic solidarity is dependent on functional variance. On decline of the power of group
consciousness, increase is found in organic solidarity. In this manner, group consciousness
and organic solidarity move in mutually opposite directions. Firmness of organic society is
maintained through group representative.
7. Mechanical solidarity establishes an evident and direct relation between an individual and
the society, person, in thoughts and jobs, always remembers about the society. In organic
society, there is no direct relation between an individual and the society, but an in-evident
relation. For specific jobs it is dependent on other people.
8. Mechanical solidarity is obstructive in development of personality and is against it. In societies
with such solidarity, dominance of similar emotions and attitude is found, there development
of personal attributes and originality may not happen, group always shadows an individual
and individualism becomes zero. On the other hand organic solidarity provides a complete
opportunity for development of an individual, there, group does not swallow the personality
of an individual. Durkheim has told that in societies of organic solidarity, each person has
his own work-field which is specific for him i.e. he has his own personality.
9. Durkheim compares mechanical solidarity with nonliving or inanimate objects. Elements
developing nonliving things are mutually similar and mixed up, they do not have their
own separate task, but all of them move. Such situation is there in societies with mechanical
solidarity. Comparison of organic solidarity is done with the body, in which each part has
its distinct make and an independent and definite task. Still they express solidarity because
of being attached with the body.
10. In mechanical solidarity, trend of group emotions related to life is found, which forms the
basis of group life. In organic solidarity, in place of emotions, more importance is given to
rules.
11. In mechanical solidarity, number of types of crime is more. Family, sex-life, religion, nation,
group life, group consciousness, etc., expect a specific behavior from an individual. Small
mistake of an individual comes in the category of crime. In organic solidarity, number of
types of crimes is less. Crimes related to family and marriages almost come to an end.
12. Relation of mechanical solidarity is with Pieced social organization in which each part repeats
same type of social activities where as in organic solidarity, organized organization is found.
There are special groups for doing special activities which are dependent.
13. In mechanical solidarity, predominance of religion is found. Control, direction and regulation
of society and all activities of individuals is done through religion. In organic solidarity,
impact of religion decreases and its specialization happens.
14. Mechanical solidarity is found in old, easy and primitive societies where there is kingdom
of uniformity and collectiveness. Organic solidarity is a feature of modern societies in which
plethora of division of labour and specialization is found.

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