45 pages • 1 hour read
The Division of Labor in Society
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
416
Book • Nonfiction
France • 1890s
1893
Adult
18+ years
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 Some sections contain language that is offensive and outdated by contemporary standards.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
2,345 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 Critics appreciate its historical context and theoretical contributions but note its dense prose and some outdated concepts.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.
2,345 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Herbert Spencer
Herbert Spencer
An influential philosopher whose theories on natural selection and societal evolution are prominently evaluated by Durkheim. Spencer's ideas significantly inform Durkheim's exploration of the division of labor and social cohesion.
416
Book • Nonfiction
France • 1890s
1893
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.