45 pages • 1 hour read
Émile DurkheimThe Division of Labor in Society
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1893A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Division of Labor in Society by Émile Durkheim examines how modern societies achieve cohesion and harmony through the division of labor as traditional and religious institutions decline. Durkheim introduces mechanical and organic solidarity, arguing that specialization fosters societal interdependence and moral progress. Some sections contain language that is offensive and outdated by contemporary standards.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Durkheim's The Division of Labor in Society is lauded for its pioneering sociological analysis and its articulation of social solidarity types. Critics appreciate its historical context and theoretical contributions but note its dense prose and some outdated concepts. Overall, it's considered foundational yet challenging for modern readers.
Who Should Read The Division of Labor in Society?
Readers who favor classic sociological theories, particularly those interested in how societal cohesion is fostered through specialized roles, will appreciate The Division of Labor in Society by Émile Durkheim. Similar enthusiasts might enjoy Karl Marx's Capital and Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism for their intersecting themes of social and economic structures.