Introduction
Émile Durkheim, one of the founding fathers of sociology, introduced the concept of solidarity to explain how societies maintain social cohesion and unity. In his seminal work “The Division of Labour in Society” (1893), Durkheim identified two major forms of solidarity—mechanical and organic. He also discussed moral solidarity as a broader concept. These forms of solidarity reflect the different ways individuals relate to each other and to society, depending on the level of complexity and division of labour in the social structure.
1. Mechanical Solidarity
Definition
Mechanical solidarity is found in traditional, pre-industrial societies where individuals have similar work, beliefs, customs, and lifestyles. Social cohesion comes from shared values and collective conscience.
Characteristics
- People perform similar tasks (e.g., farming, hunting)
- Strong collective consciousness (shared morals and beliefs)
- Low division of labour—everyone contributes in similar ways
- High social integration based on likeness
- Law tends to be repressive—punishing to maintain conformity
Example
Tribal and rural societies where people live closely, follow the same traditions, and perform similar economic functions.
Function
In mechanical solidarity, social order is maintained through the uniformity of individuals. There is minimal need for specialized institutions or laws since everyone knows and agrees on common rules.
2. Organic Solidarity
Definition
Organic solidarity emerges in modern, industrialized societies where there is a high degree of division of labour. Individuals perform specialized tasks and depend on one another for goods and services.
Characteristics
- Social cohesion is based on interdependence rather than similarity
- Individuals have distinct roles and professions (e.g., teacher, doctor, engineer)
- Weaker collective consciousness—more individual freedom and diversity of opinions
- Law becomes restitutive—focused on restoring order rather than punishing
- Greater complexity in social and economic systems
Example
Modern cities and nations where people rely on others in the society to perform specific roles, such as healthcare, education, and transportation.
Function
In organic solidarity, people are bonded through their differences and mutual dependence. Despite individualism, social unity exists because everyone contributes uniquely to the whole society.
3. Moral Solidarity
Definition
Though not as extensively discussed as mechanical and organic solidarity, moral solidarity refers to the sense of moral obligation and commitment individuals have toward society. It involves shared values, norms, and moral understanding that bind people together, especially during crises.
Characteristics
- Appears during national tragedies or social movements
- People come together in solidarity despite individual differences
- Reflects moral responsibility towards fellow citizens
Example
During natural disasters like floods or pandemics, people often help each other out of a moral duty, reflecting moral solidarity.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Mechanical Solidarity | Organic Solidarity |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Society | Traditional, rural | Modern, industrial |
| Division of Labour | Low or minimal | High and specialized |
| Social Cohesion Based On | Similarity | Interdependence |
| Type of Law | Repressive | Restitutive |
| Collective Consciousness | Strong and shared | Weaker, diverse |
Conclusion
Durkheim’s concept of solidarity is essential to understanding how societies maintain unity and order. Mechanical solidarity binds traditional societies through shared values, while organic solidarity connects modern societies through mutual dependence. Moral solidarity, though less structured, plays a key role in maintaining social bonds during extraordinary times. Together, these forms of solidarity provide a comprehensive view of social cohesion across different historical and cultural contexts.