Emile Durkheim Division of Labour - Types of Division and Law in Human
Society!
When it comes to pioneering sociological theory, Emile Durkheim undoubtedly carved his
name into the bedrock of the discipline. His invaluable insights have given shape to our
understanding of social order and solidarity. Among his several notable contributions, Emile
Durkheim's Division of Labour stands as a seminal work that continues to inspire intellectual
discourse.
The Emile Durkheim Division of Labour theory, first introduced in his seminal work 'The
Division of Labour in Society' in 1893, fundamentally reshaped how society and its various
mechanisms were understood. It served as a critical tool in unpacking the complexities of
how societies function, evolve, and thrive.
In this comprehensive article, we'll delve deep into the labyrinth of Durkheim's ideas, taking
you through the intricacies of what division of labour means, its implications, the concept of
restitutive law, and how division of labour leads to distinct forms of societal solidarity.
Origin and Evolution of Division of Labour
The concept of division of labour transcends beyond the realm of Durkheim's ideology. It has
been studied and discussed by several intellectual powerhouses, most notably Adam Smith.
Yet, Emile Durkheim managed to lend a unique sociological perspective to the idea.
Durkheim believed that the division of labour was not a mere economic strategy, but a critical
societal mechanism that dictates societal functionality and organisation. Division of labour
signifies the dispersion of roles within a community, creating a web of interdependence
amongst its members.
Understanding Division of Labour: Durkheim's Perspective
What is Division of Labour?
The concept of division of labour is not exclusively Emile Durkheim's creation. It has a rich
intellectual history with notable proponents such as Adam Smith. Yet, Durkheim's approach
to this concept brought a fresh sociological lens, shifting away from purely economic
considerations.
In Durkheimian terms, the division of labour is not merely a method for efficient production.
Instead, it signifies an integral process through which societies are organised and function. It
pertains to the differentiation of tasks and roles within a society, fostering interdependence
among its members.
The Dual Nature of Division of Labour
Durkheim identifies two forms of the division of labour:
o Mechanical Solidarity: In simpler societies, members share common values and
beliefs, leading to a collective conscience. The division of labour is minimal, and
social cohesion is derived from likeness.
o Organic Solidarity: In complex societies, the division of labour becomes more
apparent. Interdependence arises from differentiation and specialization of roles.
Social cohesion here stems from the dependence of individuals on each other.
Social Solidarity
One of Durkheim's pioneering contributions was his theorization of social solidarity. He
maintained that division of labour was intrinsically linked to social solidarity - the glue that
binds societies together. He argued that while simpler societies exhibited 'mechanical
solidarity,' characterized by shared values and beliefs, complex societies manifested 'organic
solidarity,' where social cohesion arises from interdependence, borne out of role
differentiation and specialisation.
Types of Division of Labour
Division of labor refers to how tasks and responsibilities are divided among individuals in a
society or within an organization. It helps to organize and distribute work efficiently. There
are different types of division of labor:
1. Occupational Division of Labor: This refers to the division of work based on
different occupations or professions. For example, doctors, teachers, engineers, and
farmers have different roles and responsibilities.
2. Gender Division of Labor: This refers to the division of work based on gender. It
often involves assigning specific tasks to men and women based on societal
expectations. For instance, traditionally, women have been associated with household
chores while men have been assigned more public and economic roles.
3. Social Class Division of Labor: This division is based on social class or economic
status. It determines the type of work individuals engage in based on their social
standing. For example, individuals from higher social classes may have access to
white-collar jobs, while those from lower social classes may be more likely to have
blue-collar or manual labor jobs.
4. Age Division of Labor: This division is based on age groups. Different age groups
may be assigned different tasks and responsibilities. For instance, children may be
assigned tasks suitable to their age and abilities, while adults may have more complex
or demanding roles.
5. Skill-based Division of Labor: This division is based on individuals' skills,
knowledge, and expertise. Different people possess different skills, and they are
assigned tasks accordingly. For example, individuals with specialized skills such as
doctors, engineers, or craftsmen are assigned specific tasks that require their expertise.
Two Kinds of Law in Human Society
Durkheim posits that laws, like societies, can also be divided into two kinds based on the type
of social solidarity they serve: Repressive and Restitutive law.
Restitutive Law: Reinforcing Social Solidarity
The term 'restitutive law' finds its roots in Durkheim's discourse on division of labour. This
form of law is prevalent in societies marked by organic solidarity, wherein division of labour
is intricate.
Restitutive laws do not seek to punish but to restore the normal state of interdependent social
relationships disrupted by an offence. They are less concerned with retribution and more
focused on maintaining social equilibrium.
Here are the key aspects of restitutive law:
o Its primary objective is to restore normalcy and balance within the society.
o It manifests in various forms such as civil, commercial, procedural, administrative,
and constitutional law.
o The prominence of restitutive law is indicative of a higher degree of the division of
labour.
The Implications: What Division of Labour Leads To
Durkheim's exploration doesn't end with defining what division of labour is or discussing
restitutive law. He delves further into understanding the consequences and effects that arise
from the division of labour, such as:
o Increased Efficiency: As tasks are divided and specialized, efficiency in production
and service delivery increases.
o Social Interdependence: The differentiated roles create a network of interdependence,
fostering social cohesion and unity.
o Anomie: Durkheim also warns of the risk of 'anomie', a state of normlessness that
may arise if the division of labour is unregulated or abrupt.
Criticism to Emile Durkheim’s Division of Labour
Despite the immense value Durkheim’s theories on division of labour have added to the field
of sociology, they have not been immune to criticism. Critics have noted that Durkheim’s
ideas, while groundbreaking, perhaps oversimplify the complex interplay of socio-economic
factors in society. For example, his theory does not sufficiently consider power dynamics and
socio-economic inequalities that can influence the division of labour.
Moreover, his theory's applicability to contemporary society, characterized by automation
and technological advancement, has been questioned. The risk of job loss due to automation
is a concern that Durkheim's Division of Labour theory does not fully encapsulate.
