SOC371H5 Chapter Notes -Emergence, Moral Authority, Metaphysics
Document Summary
He believed punishment was an institution, which was connected to the very heart of society. It was a tangible example of the collective conscience that both expressed and regenerated society"s values. Sociologists could gain systematic insight on the ineffable core of moral life around which the community and social solidarity are formed. It was a key to the analysis of society itself. Durkheim concerns were with the changing forms of solidarity as societies evolved with the rise of individualism, specialization of social functions and the decline of religion. Social conservatives believed that society was destined to tear itself apart in the clash of individual interests and instead advocated for a return to the traditional forms of morality and religious faith. Strong bonds of morality cause punishments and punishments result in the reaffirmation and strengthening of social bonds. Like most institutions, punishment is understood in terms of its mundane/instrumental tasks (eg. control of crime, enforcement of law).
