The concept anomie can be defined as:
A A person’s beliefs and ideology are in conflict with her best interests.
B When one or more of an individual’s roles clash.
C How strongly a person is connected to his or her social group.
D A situation in which society no longer has the support of a firm collective consciousness.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is D: A situation in which society no longer has the support of a firm collective consciousness.
Explanation:
Anomie is a sociological concept introduced by French sociologist Émile Durkheim. It refers to a state of normlessness, confusion, or instability in society when social norms, values, and beliefs are weak or unclear, leading to a breakdown in the social fabric that holds society together. Durkheim theorized that anomie occurs during periods of significant social or economic change, such as rapid industrialization, wars, or economic crises, where traditional norms and structures no longer provide clear guidance on behavior and expectations.
Anomie arises when individuals feel disconnected from society because of the lack of common norms, leading to confusion, alienation, and feelings of isolation. This condition undermines the cohesion and solidarity of a society because its members no longer share a common understanding of moral or social rules. Durkheim argued that this breakdown in collective consciousness could lead to negative consequences, such as increased rates of suicide, crime, and social unrest, as people struggle to find their place in society without clear norms or rules.
Durkheim’s work focused on the impact of anomie on individuals, especially in modern societies where traditional social structures were eroding due to industrialization and urbanization. In contrast to pre-modern societies, where collective consciousness was stronger and more homogeneous, modern societies tend to have more diverse values and beliefs, which can lead to feelings of normlessness.
In summary, anomie reflects the absence of a shared collective consciousness that provides societal cohesion, leading to confusion and disintegration of social order. This is the central idea behind Durkheim’s theory, which underscores the importance of social norms and values in maintaining the stability of society.