Emile Durkheim distinguished between mechanical solidarity in rural societies with little division of labor, where solidarity is based on likeness, and organic solidarity in urban areas with a complex division of labor, where solidarity comes from interdependence. Durkheim believed a society's level of social solidarity depended on its division of labor, with mechanical solidarity in predomintantly rural societies and organic solidarity in highly diverse and specialized urban areas. His ideas formed a theoretical foundation for studying differences between rural communities and urban social structure.

1. Durkheim’s Mechanical and Organic
Solidarity
By: Elizabeth Travis
Chapter 19 *Page 559*

2. Introduction
Emile Durkheim made a distinction between rural and urban
societies, but he focused on social solidarity. He believed that
that a society’s social solidarity was based on its level of division
of labor.

3. Key Terms
 Social Solidarity- the social bonds developed by individuals to their
society. (pg. 15)
 Mechanical Solidarity- characterized by tradition, unity, consensus of
norms and values, and strong informal pressure to conform.
 Organic Solidarity- characterized by a highly sophisticated division of
labor that makes individuals interdependent with one another.

4. Mechanical Solidarity
 Predominately rural
societies
 Very little division of labor
 Solidarity through likeness
Organic Solidarity
 Highly diverse urban areas
 Complex division of labor
 Solidarity through difference

5. In Conclusion….
Durkheim’s ideas provided theoretical foundation for urban and
rural sociology in the U.S., and focused on differences between rural
communities and urban areas and how these disparities affected
basic social structure, institutions, and interaction.

6. Applying the Concept
Mechanical Solidarity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M58ofEgo0sQ
Organic Solidarity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QshF2FhW7cg

7. Discussion Question
Do you agree with Durkheim’s theory on the differences between
mechanical and organic solidarity?