What is the Difference Between Mechanic and Organic Solidarity?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between mechanical and organic solidarity lies in the sources of social cohesion and integration in different types of societies. Both concepts were developed by the French sociologist Émile Durkheim.
Mechanical solidarity:
- Occurs in traditional, small-scale societies, usually based on kinship ties of familial networks.
- Social cohesion and integration come from the homogeneity of individuals, who feel connected through similar work, education, religion, age, gender, and lifestyle.
- Common values and beliefs constitute a "collective conscience" that works internally in individuals.
Organic solidarity:
- Occurs in modern, complex societies.
- Social cohesion is based on the interdependence that arises between people due to the specialization of work and the complementarities between individuals.
- Although individuals perform different tasks and often have different values and interests, the order and solidarity of society depend on their reliance on each other to perform their roles.
- Examples of organic solidarity include farmers producing food to feed factory workers who produce tractors that allow farmers to produce more food.
In summary, mechanical solidarity arises from commonalities in society, while organic solidarity arises from interdependence among members of society.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Mechanic and Organic Solidarity? Comparative Table: Mechanic vs Organic Solidarity
Comparative Table: Mechanic vs Organic Solidarity
| Mechanic Solidarity | Organic Solidarity |
|---|---|
| Social integration arises from the homogeneity of members in a society. | Social integration arises from the interdependence of members in a society. |
| Found in less structurally complex societies. | Emerges in industrialized societies. |
| Based on common values, beliefs, and a "collective conscience". | Based on the division of labor and specialization. |
| Individuals perform similar tasks and have shared values and interests. | Individuals perform different tasks and have diverse values and interests, but rely on each other for the proper functioning of society. |
| Social cohesion and integration come from similar work, educational and religious training, and lifestyle, often based on kinship ties of familial networks. | Social cohesion and integration come from the interdependence that arises from specialization of work and the complementarities between individuals. |
| Examples: traditional and small-scale societies, where people feel connected through similar work, education, and religious training. | Examples: complex and industrial societies, where people rely on each other to perform their jobs and contribute to society. |
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