Functionalism and Émile Durkheim’s Philosophy

Philosophy often serves as a guide for those seeking a more meaningful life, yet its complex ideas can sometimes be difficult to fully grasp. One such concept, functionalism, plays a central role in Émile Durkheim’s philosophical framework. Understanding functionalism is essential for appreciating how Durkheim’s ideas can influence our approach to leading a purposeful life. This article will examine Durkheim’s philosophy, the concept of functionalism, and their significance in the quest for a deeper, more meaningful existence.

Key features of Émile Durkheim’s philosophy

Émile Durkheim is regarded as one of the founding figures of sociology, and his philosophy centers around understanding how societies maintain order and cohesion. He believed that individuals are deeply influenced by social structures, norms, and values that shape their behaviour. One of his key ideas was the concept of “social facts,” which refers to the societal rules and expectations that exist outside the individual but guide their actions, such as customs, laws, and moral beliefs.

Durkheim also explored the idea of solidarity, identifying two main forms: mechanical and organic. Mechanical solidarity is found in simpler societies where people share similar work, beliefs, and values, creating a strong collective conscience. Organic solidarity, on the other hand, arises in more complex and modern societies, where individuals depend on one another due to the division of labour, even if their values and beliefs differ.

Another major contribution of Durkheim was his study of religion and its role in society. He viewed religion as a social institution that binds people together through shared rituals and symbols, reinforcing social cohesion. Durkheim also investigated topics like suicide, showing how external social factors, rather than just personal issues, influence such behaviour.

Overall, Durkheim emphasized the importance of studying society scientifically to uncover the underlying forces that hold it together, making his work crucial to understanding human behaviour in a broader, societal context.

What is functionalism?

Émile Durkheim, a foundational sociologist, developed the concept of functionalism to explain how society maintains stability and order. According to Durkheim, society is like a complex system, made up of many interconnected parts or institutions, such as education, religion, and government. Each of these parts has a specific role or function that helps society work properly. He believed that these roles are not random but necessary, as they contribute to the overall health and balance of society.

Durkheim also emphasized the idea of a “collective conscience,” which refers to the shared beliefs, values, and norms that hold a community together. This shared understanding helps individuals feel connected to one another and supports social harmony. When all parts of society fulfill their roles effectively, they contribute to the stability and predictability that allow people to live together.

He argued that even things that may seem bad or undesirable at a glance, such as crime, still serve a role within society. To Durkheim, these elements reinforce unity by reminding members of shared rules and values. Functionalism focuses on examining how these different parts fit together and how they work to keep society organized and functioning as a whole.

This idea is demonstrated clearly in the example below. One example of Émile Durkheim’s perspective on functionalism can be seen in his study of religion within society. Durkheim analyzed how religious practices and beliefs contribute to social cohesion by bringing individuals together through shared rituals and values. For instance, he explored how collective worship or ceremonies strengthen a sense of community among people and reinforce moral norms that guide behavior. These practices not only unite individuals but also support social stability by emphasizing a sense of belonging and purpose. Durkheim’s studies suggested that religion serves important functions by maintaining order and fostering cooperation within groups, even in diverse societies. This example highlights the way societal systems, like religion, contribute to the functioning of the whole, ensuring harmony and interdependence in a complex community.

Challenges to Émile Durkheim’s view about functionalism

Some philosophers object to or reject aspects of Émile Durkheim’s functionalism for several reasons, often focusing on its assumptions and implications. One key criticism is that functionalism tends to focus too much on social stability and cohesion, potentially overlooking conflict and change. Philosophers in this camp argue that societies are often marked by significant inequalities, power struggles, and competing interests, which functionalism does not adequately address. They contend that by emphasizing harmony and interdependence, functionalism can fail to account for the ways in which social structures sometimes reinforce oppression or injustice. For example, critics might point out that long-standing practices or institutions may serve a function for the majority but could systematically marginalize or exclude certain groups.

Another criticism relates to functionalism’s tendency to view social phenomena primarily in terms of their utility or purpose within a society. Some philosophers suggest this approach risks conflating explanation with justification. Just because a social practice exists and serves a function does not necessarily mean it is necessary or desirable. For example, critics argue that harmful traditions might endure not because they are beneficial, but due to inertia, lack of alternatives, or coercive power dynamics. This framework, critics worry, might unintentionally legitimize or excuse problematic institutions simply because they’ve played a role in keeping society stable.

Finally, critics highlight functionalism’s difficulty in addressing individual agency and the complexities of human behaviour. Functionalism often looks at society from a macro-level perspective, viewing individuals mainly as contributors to the larger system. Some philosophers argue this ignores the autonomy and unique motivations of individuals who may resist or subvert societal norms. By focusing so heavily on the “big picture,” functionalism may overlook the nuanced, everyday interactions and personal choices that also shape social realities. For these reasons, critics see the theory as overly simplistic and unable to fully capture the dynamics of social life.

By raising these objections, philosophers push for more nuanced theories that better account for conflict, inequality, and human agency in understanding societies.

Why functionalism is important to Émile Durkheim’s philosophy

These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of functionalism is essential to comprehending Émile Durkheim’s philosophy.

1. Functionalism emphasizes the role of social institutions in maintaining social order.

Functionalism helps us understand how social institutions like family, education, religion, and government work together to create stability in society. By focusing on the functions these institutions fulfill, it becomes clear that each plays a part in maintaining balance. For example, schools educate individuals to prepare them for roles in the workforce, while families provide emotional support and socialization. By analyzing the functions of these systems, we can comprehend how they contribute to the greater structure of society even when they appear disconnected from one another. This perspective is vital for understanding how interconnected human interactions and institutions are, forming the glue that holds societies together.

2. Functionalism highlights the importance of societal norms and values.

A fundamental aspect of functionalism is the understanding of norms and values as shared ideas that guide behavior in society. These norms create expectations about how individuals should behave in different situations, ensuring order and predictability. For instance, laws are formalized norms that regulate our actions, promoting fairness and security. Without these shared values and norms, societies would struggle to function effectively due to chaos or conflict. Functionalism provides insight into how these shared ideas develop and sustain social cohesion, helping us grasp why people generally follow rules and engage in cooperative behavior.

3. Functionalism demonstrates how societies adapt to change while preserving stability.

Throughout history, societies undergo various forms of change, such as technological advancements, cultural shifts, or economic transformations. Functionalism shows how these changes are absorbed while enabling society to maintain its overall structure and function. For example, the rise of the internet drastically influenced communication and interactions, but functional institutions like education and commerce adapted to incorporate this change into their systems. This adaptability ensures long-term stability, as these adjustments ensure the continuing operation of societal mechanisms. Understanding this can help us appreciate how progress occurs without dismantling the entire social framework.

Contrasting Émile Durkheim’s philosophy with Max Horkheimer’s philosophy

Émile Durkheim’s view about functionalism focuses on how different parts of society work together to maintain stability and social order. He believed that every element of society serves a role that contributes to the overall functioning of the whole. This perspective emphasizes harmony and cooperation, highlighting the importance of shared norms, values, and institutions in holding society together. Durkheim’s emphasis on societal cohesion and the need for collective consciousness stands in contrast to the ideas of Max Horkheimer, a leading figure in the Frankfurt School of critical theory.

Horkheimer’s philosophy takes a more critical stance toward society, particularly focusing on issues of power dynamics, oppression, and social inequality. Unlike Durkheim, who highlighted the positive roles that societal components play, Horkheimer was concerned with exposing the ways in which societal structures and ideologies can perpetuate domination and inhibit critical thinking. Horkheimer argued that culture and ideology often serve the interests of the powerful, maintaining the status quo rather than fostering equity.

While both thinkers sought to understand society, their approaches differed significantly. Durkheim aimed to explain how society functions and remains stable, whereas Horkheimer challenged the very systems that might enforce that stability if they led to exploitation or hindered progress. This contrast highlights the difference between a focus on cohesion and functionality versus a critique of oppression and systemic flaws.

Functionalism, Émile Durkheim’s philosophy and the philosophy of life

Reflecting on Émile Durkheim’s perspective about functionalism is a meaningful exercise when developing your own philosophy of life, regardless of whether you agree with his ideas or not. This process encourages a deeper exploration of how individuals and society coexist, prompting you to consider the interconnectedness of people, systems, and roles in fostering a cohesive environment. Even if Durkheim’s concepts do not align with your beliefs, examining them critically can reveal insights about how human actions contribute to larger structures, such as families, communities, and cultures. Such understanding is invaluable as you shape your personal worldview.

Thinking about Durkheim’s philosophy also sharpens your ability to challenge and evaluate ideas. By reflecting on his work, you practice questioning assumptions and reasoning through complex issues, which is essential to developing an independent philosophy of life. Engaging with diverse perspectives like Durkheim’s helps you refine your values and principles by testing them against alternative viewpoints. This enhances personal growth and allows for a more nuanced and grounded understanding of your place within society.

Furthermore, considering Durkheim’s functionalist approach invites you to reflect on the purpose and meaning within your own life. It encourages you to think about how your actions contribute to the well-being of others and how you derive significance from the roles you play in different communities. This kind of reflection fosters a sense of responsibility and purpose, which can guide decisions and actions aligned with your philosophy. Whether you agree with Durkheim or not, the act of engaging with his ideas prompts you to ask important questions about contribution, identity, and balance in life.

Finally, reflecting on such influential philosophies underscores the importance of staying open-minded. By exploring ideas that challenge or expand your perspective, you cultivate an ability to seek out wisdom and understanding from a variety of sources. This open-mindedness is crucial as you continue to evolve and adapt your philosophy to the complexities of life. Durkheim’s work reminds us that no matter our individual beliefs, examining the foundations of those beliefs within a broader societal context allows us to grow into more thoughtful and empathetic individuals.

Further reading

Durkheim, É. (1893/1997). The Division of Labour in Society (W.D. Halls, Trans.). Free Press. (Original work published 1893)

Durkheim, É. (1912/1995). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (K.E. Fields, Trans.). Free Press. (Original work published 1912)

Parsons, T. (1937). The Structure of Social Action. McGraw-Hill.

Stinchcombe, A.L. (1968). Constructing Social Theories. University of Chicago Press.

Thompson, K. (1982). Émile Durkheim. Routledge.

Turner, J.H. (1990). The Structure of Sociological Theory (6th ed.). Wadsworth Publishing Company.

Wallace, R.A., & Wolf, A. (2006). Contemporary Sociological Theory: Expanding the Classical Tradition (6th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.