Anomie is a term generally used to describe a state of social disorder or moral confusion.
The definition of the word anomie according to Emile Durkheim
The French sociologist Emile Durkheim gave a particularly famous definition of the word anomie. According to Durkheim, anomie is a state of social disorganization in which normal rules of behavior are lost or confused. This state may be caused by a period of rapid social change or by an economic crisis.
Durkheim developed his theory of anomie from a study of crime in France. He found that crime rates increased dramatically during periods of rapid social change, such as the French Revolution. He also noticed that criminals were often distinguished by their lack of connection with society and its norms. From this observation, Durkheim developed his theory according to which anomie is an important cause of crime.
According to Durkheim, anomie can have significant negative effects on society. It can lead to a loss of sense of community and social solidarity, which can in turn lead to increased crime and social instability.
Durkheim's theory of anomie has had a significant impact on sociology and it continues to be discussed and developed by contemporary sociologists.
Anomie according to classical sociology
Anomie, according to classical sociology, refers to the lack of rules and social norms in a society. This lack of rules can lead to abnormal behavior and social conflicts. Classical sociology was influenced by the work of Émile Durkheim, who defined anomie as the result of an imbalance between the forces of social cohesion and the forces of social disintegration. According to Durkheim, a society experiencing strong anomie is a society in crisis.
Classical sociology defined anomie as the lack of social rules or norms. This manifested itself in the fact that individuals no longer felt bound by common values and were less inclined to respect the rules of society. Society was then seen as being in crisis.
This definition has been criticized by modern sociologists because it implies that anomie is a solely negative phenomenon. However, individuals can also feel liberated by the fact that they are no longer subject to restrictive rules and social norms. They can then explore new horizons and develop new forms of life.
Anomie can therefore be seen as a double process: on the one hand, it can cause a social crisis, but on the other hand, it can be a source of freedom and creativity.
For Emile Durkheim, anomie is defined as a lack of rules and social norms. Classical sociology defines anomie as a state of social disorganization.