Difference between revisions of "Anomie" - New World Encyclopedia
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
==Definition of ''Anomie''== | ==Definition of ''Anomie''== | ||
| − | The word comes from [[Greek language|Greek]], namely the prefix ''a-'': "without", and ''nomos'': "law". The contemporary English understanding of the word ''anomie'' can accept greater flexibility in the word "[[norm]]", and some have used the term "normlessness to reflect a similar situation to the idea of [[Anarchism|anarchy]]. | + | The word comes from [[Greek language|Greek]], namely the prefix ''a-'': "without", and ''nomos'': "law". The contemporary English understanding of the word ''anomie'' can accept greater flexibility in the word "[[norm]]", and some have used the term "normlessness" to reflect a similar situation to the idea of [[Anarchism|anarchy]]. However, as used by [[Émile Durkheim]] and later theorists, ''anomie'' refers to a situation in which there is a loss of the regulatory social controls of society, and thus is a completely separate concept from a situation of anarchy, which is an absence of effective rulers or leaders. |
| − | + | In addition to other [[sociology|sociogists]], the [[economics|economist]] [[Friedrich Hayek]] also used the word ''anomy'' with Durkheim's definition. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | ===''Anomie'' as a Societal Disorder=== | |
| + | The primary use of the word ''anomie'' is a social condition characterized by instability, the breakdown of social [[norm]]s, institutional disorganization, and a separation between socially accepted goals and the available means for achieving them. Individuals living in a society in which this state of normlessness exists often experience [[alienation]] from other people and a loss of purpose in their lives. | ||
| − | [[ | + | The nineteenth century [[France|French]] [[sociology|sociologist]] [[Émile Durkheim]] used this word in his book ''Suicide'' (1897). He outlined the causes of [[suicide]] to describe a condition or malaise in individuals, characterized by an absence or diminution of standards or [[norm]]s (referred to as normlessness), and an associated feeling of alienation and purposelessness. He believed that ''anomie'' is common when the surrounding society has undergone significant changes in its economic fortunes, whether for better or for worse and, more generally, when there is a significant discrepancy between the ideological theories and values commonly professed and that which is actually achievable in everyday life. |
| − | + | Durkheim noted that as social restraints are weakened, people's goals, previously limited by social order and [[morality]], become limitless, infinite in scope. However, he also noted that: | |
| − | '' | + | <blockquote>''one does not advance when one proceeds toward no goal, or—which is the same thing—when the goal is infinity. To pursue a goal which is by definition unattainable is to condemn oneself to a state of perpetual unhappiness.'' (from ''Suicide''). </blockquote> |
| − | [[Robert K. Merton]] adopted the idea of ''anomie'' to develop Strain Theory, defining it as the discrepancy between common social goals and the legitimate means to attain those goals. In other words, an individual suffering from ''anomie'' would strive to attain the common goals of a specific society, yet would not be able to reach these goals legitimately because of the limitations in the [[social structure]] of their society. As a result the individual would exhibit deviant behavior. | + | In other words, Durkheim argued that while societal norms and regulations may appear to limit the behavior of individuals, a lack of norms, allowing individuals the freedom to do absolutely anything, actually traps them in a situtation where success is impossible. When there is no agreed upon definition of desirable goals, or acceptable ways in which to achieve those goals, there is also no way to achieve success. Facing such an empty existence, devoid of purpose, people are likely to contemplate suicide as a means to end such futile, pointless lives. |
| + | |||
| + | [[Robert K. Merton]] adopted the idea of ''anomie'' to develop "Strain Theory," defining it as the discrepancy between common social goals and the legitimate means to attain those goals. In other words, an individual suffering from ''anomie'' would strive to attain the common goals of a specific society, yet would not be able to reach these goals legitimately because of the limitations in the [[social structure]] of their society. As a result, the individual would exhibit deviant behavior ranging from rebellion, [[delinquency]], [[crime]], and ultimately suicide. | ||
| + | <blockquote>''It will be remembered that we have considered the emphasis on monetary success as one dominant theme in American culture, and have traced the strains which it differentially imposes upon those variously located in the social structure. This was not to say, of course,—as was repeatedly indicated—that the disjunction between cultural goals and institutionally legitimate means derives only from this extreme goal-emphasis. The theory holds that any extreme emphasis upon achievement—whether this be scientific productivity, accumulation of personal wealth or, by a small stretch of the imagination, the conquests of Don Juan—will attenuate conformity to the institutional norms governing behavior designed to achieve the particular forms of 'success,' especially among those who are socially disadvantaged in the competitive race. It is the conflict between cultural goals and the availability of using institutional means—whatever the character of the goals—which produces a strain toward anomie.'' (Merton 1957, p. 220)</blockquote> | ||
| + | |||
| + | In his classification of deviance, Merton explored the relationship between cultural goals and the structural means to achieve those goals. When success goals were universally imposed on the members of society while the means to achieve them were restricted for some members, deviance could be expected on a broad scale. It is the type of consistency or inconsistency between goals and means that leads to either conformity or to one of the four "types" of ''anomic'' deviance: | ||
| + | |||
| + | *The '''innovator''' adopts means deemed unacceptable by society (for example, [[theft]]) to realize success. | ||
| + | *The '''ritualist''' follows the rules obsessively but loses sight of the overall goals (for example, the inflexible [[bureaucracy|bureaucrat]]). | ||
| + | *The '''retreatist''' abandons both goals and the means to achieve them (for example, the [[addiction|drug addict]]). | ||
| + | *The '''rebel''' rejects both the traditional goals and means, but envisions new ones as the basis for a new social order. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Thus, the conformist internalizes the common success goals but also has access to the approved means to realize the goals. For the other relationships, a condition of goals—means dysjunction exists. Merton saw deviance not in terms of [[personality]] types but as role responses to different forms of dysjunction between goals and means to achieve them. | ||
| + | |||
| + | According to Merton's analysis, deviance is not created by deliberate intent on the part of the actors, but rather is a response to a breakdown between universal expectations (to be successful) and the availability of approved methods to achieve those ends. Or, as Merton expressed, when a society professes that every office boy can become [[president]], but the avenues to such aspirations are socially limited, the stage is set for deviance on a broad scale. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===''Anomie'' as an Individual Disorder=== | ||
| + | ''Anomie'' has also been used to refer to the psychological state of individuals who experience a personal state of isolation and [[anxiety]] due to their perceived lack of purpose. In this usage, a person suffering ''anomie'' has lost all personal sense of social obligation, or trust in others as supportive or concerned about their welfare. Such a state of mind renders the individual incapable of forming close bonds with others and sharing goals and acceptable means of attaining them. Thus, their isolation increases. Such individuals suffer anxiety, feelings of futility and purposelessness, becoming amoral and disconnected from the social norms of others around them. | ||
==''Anomie'' in literature and film== | ==''Anomie'' in literature and film== | ||
| Line 27: | Line 44: | ||
In [[film]], the protagonist of [[Martin Scorsese]]*'s ''Taxi Driver'' could be said to suffer from ''anomie''. | In [[film]], the protagonist of [[Martin Scorsese]]*'s ''Taxi Driver'' could be said to suffer from ''anomie''. | ||
| − | ==''Anomie'' and | + | ==''Anomie'' and Social Change== |
| − | |||
| − | Durkheim suggested that the problem of ''anomie'' could be overcome through social associations based on professions that would socialize with one another. He believed this would give people a sense of belonging, vital to preventing ''anomie''. In his study, ''Suicide'', Durkheim showed that [[Catholic]]s committed suicide less often than [[Protestant]]s because of the sense of [[community]] developed within Catholic churches. Thus he advocated the importance of communities within the larger society, through which people can avoid | + | [[Emile Durkheim|Durkheim]] was generally optimistic that changes in the structure of society due to division of labor would lead to positive developments for both society and the individuals in that society. However, he also noted that such changes might produce a state of confusion with regard to norms and increasing impersonality in social life, leading eventually to the breakdown of the norms regulating behavior. As societies become more technically proficient and careers more specialized, individuals inevitably become more alienated from their fellow citizens. Little common ground exists between investment bankers and street cleaners, making both feel isolated within their existing social circles. ''Anomie'' is an accurate term to describe this division. |
| + | |||
| + | Durkheim suggested that the problem of ''anomie'' could be overcome through social associations based on professions that would socialize with one another. He believed this would give people a sense of belonging, vital to preventing ''anomie''. In his study, ''Suicide'', Durkheim showed that [[Catholic]]s committed suicide less often than [[Protestant]]s because of the sense of [[community]] developed within Catholic churches. Thus he advocated the importance of communities within the larger society, through which people can share common values and standards of behavior and success, and so avoid feelings of isolation and the development of ''anomie''. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== | ||
| + | *Durkheim, Emile. 1893. ''The Division of Labor in Society''. The Free Press (reprint 1997). ISBN 0684836386 | ||
| + | *Durkheim, Emile. 1897. ''Suicide''. The Free Press (reprint 1997). ISBN 0684836327 | ||
| + | *Merton, Robert K. 1949. ''Social Theory and Social Structure''. (revised and enlarged edition 1957, reprint 1968) New York: Free Press of Glencoe. ISBN 0029211301 | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
*[http://durkheim.itgo.com/anomie.html "Anomie"] discussed at the Émile Durkheim Archive. | *[http://durkheim.itgo.com/anomie.html "Anomie"] discussed at the Émile Durkheim Archive. | ||
| − | *[http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=anomie "Definition"] | + | *[http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=anomie "Definition of Anomie"] |
| − | |||
| − | |||
{{Credit1|Anomie|63768406|}} | {{Credit1|Anomie|63768406|}} | ||
Revision as of 16:55, 13 September 2006
Anomie, in contemporary English, means a condition or malaise in individuals, characterized by an absence or diminution of standards or values.
Definition of Anomie
The word comes from Greek, namely the prefix a-: "without", and nomos: "law". The contemporary English understanding of the word anomie can accept greater flexibility in the word "norm", and some have used the term "normlessness" to reflect a similar situation to the idea of anarchy. However, as used by Émile Durkheim and later theorists, anomie refers to a situation in which there is a loss of the regulatory social controls of society, and thus is a completely separate concept from a situation of anarchy, which is an absence of effective rulers or leaders.
In addition to other sociogists, the economist Friedrich Hayek also used the word anomy with Durkheim's definition.
Anomie as a Societal Disorder
The primary use of the word anomie is a social condition characterized by instability, the breakdown of social norms, institutional disorganization, and a separation between socially accepted goals and the available means for achieving them. Individuals living in a society in which this state of normlessness exists often experience alienation from other people and a loss of purpose in their lives.
The nineteenth century French sociologist Émile Durkheim used this word in his book Suicide (1897). He outlined the causes of suicide to describe a condition or malaise in individuals, characterized by an absence or diminution of standards or norms (referred to as normlessness), and an associated feeling of alienation and purposelessness. He believed that anomie is common when the surrounding society has undergone significant changes in its economic fortunes, whether for better or for worse and, more generally, when there is a significant discrepancy between the ideological theories and values commonly professed and that which is actually achievable in everyday life.
Durkheim noted that as social restraints are weakened, people's goals, previously limited by social order and morality, become limitless, infinite in scope. However, he also noted that:
one does not advance when one proceeds toward no goal, or—which is the same thing—when the goal is infinity. To pursue a goal which is by definition unattainable is to condemn oneself to a state of perpetual unhappiness. (from Suicide).
In other words, Durkheim argued that while societal norms and regulations may appear to limit the behavior of individuals, a lack of norms, allowing individuals the freedom to do absolutely anything, actually traps them in a situtation where success is impossible. When there is no agreed upon definition of desirable goals, or acceptable ways in which to achieve those goals, there is also no way to achieve success. Facing such an empty existence, devoid of purpose, people are likely to contemplate suicide as a means to end such futile, pointless lives.
Robert K. Merton adopted the idea of anomie to develop "Strain Theory," defining it as the discrepancy between common social goals and the legitimate means to attain those goals. In other words, an individual suffering from anomie would strive to attain the common goals of a specific society, yet would not be able to reach these goals legitimately because of the limitations in the social structure of their society. As a result, the individual would exhibit deviant behavior ranging from rebellion, delinquency, crime, and ultimately suicide.
It will be remembered that we have considered the emphasis on monetary success as one dominant theme in American culture, and have traced the strains which it differentially imposes upon those variously located in the social structure. This was not to say, of course,—as was repeatedly indicated—that the disjunction between cultural goals and institutionally legitimate means derives only from this extreme goal-emphasis. The theory holds that any extreme emphasis upon achievement—whether this be scientific productivity, accumulation of personal wealth or, by a small stretch of the imagination, the conquests of Don Juan—will attenuate conformity to the institutional norms governing behavior designed to achieve the particular forms of 'success,' especially among those who are socially disadvantaged in the competitive race. It is the conflict between cultural goals and the availability of using institutional means—whatever the character of the goals—which produces a strain toward anomie. (Merton 1957, p. 220)
In his classification of deviance, Merton explored the relationship between cultural goals and the structural means to achieve those goals. When success goals were universally imposed on the members of society while the means to achieve them were restricted for some members, deviance could be expected on a broad scale. It is the type of consistency or inconsistency between goals and means that leads to either conformity or to one of the four "types" of anomic deviance:
- The innovator adopts means deemed unacceptable by society (for example, theft) to realize success.
- The ritualist follows the rules obsessively but loses sight of the overall goals (for example, the inflexible bureaucrat).
- The retreatist abandons both goals and the means to achieve them (for example, the drug addict).
- The rebel rejects both the traditional goals and means, but envisions new ones as the basis for a new social order.
Thus, the conformist internalizes the common success goals but also has access to the approved means to realize the goals. For the other relationships, a condition of goals—means dysjunction exists. Merton saw deviance not in terms of personality types but as role responses to different forms of dysjunction between goals and means to achieve them.
According to Merton's analysis, deviance is not created by deliberate intent on the part of the actors, but rather is a response to a breakdown between universal expectations (to be successful) and the availability of approved methods to achieve those ends. Or, as Merton expressed, when a society professes that every office boy can become president, but the avenues to such aspirations are socially limited, the stage is set for deviance on a broad scale.
Anomie as an Individual Disorder
Anomie has also been used to refer to the psychological state of individuals who experience a personal state of isolation and anxiety due to their perceived lack of purpose. In this usage, a person suffering anomie has lost all personal sense of social obligation, or trust in others as supportive or concerned about their welfare. Such a state of mind renders the individual incapable of forming close bonds with others and sharing goals and acceptable means of attaining them. Thus, their isolation increases. Such individuals suffer anxiety, feelings of futility and purposelessness, becoming amoral and disconnected from the social norms of others around them.
Anomie in literature and film
In Albert Camus's existentialist novel The Stranger, the protagonist Meursault struggles to construct an individual system of values as he responds to the disappearance of the old. He exists largely in a state of anomie, as seen from the apathy evinced in the opening lines: "Aujourd'hui, maman est morte. Ou peut-être hier, je ne sais pas" ("Today Mother died. Or maybe yesterday, I don't know.")
Fyodor Dostoevsky, whose work may be considered a philosophical precursor to existentialism, often expressed a similar concern in his novels. In The Brothers Karamazov, the character Dimitri Karamazov asks his atheist friend, "...without God and immortal life? All things are lawful then, they can do what they like?" Raskolnikov, the anti-hero of Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment, puts this philosophy into action when he kills an elderly pawnbroker and her sister, later rationalizing this act to himself with the words, "...it wasn't a human being I killed, it was a principle!"
In film, the protagonist of Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver could be said to suffer from anomie.
Anomie and Social Change
Durkheim was generally optimistic that changes in the structure of society due to division of labor would lead to positive developments for both society and the individuals in that society. However, he also noted that such changes might produce a state of confusion with regard to norms and increasing impersonality in social life, leading eventually to the breakdown of the norms regulating behavior. As societies become more technically proficient and careers more specialized, individuals inevitably become more alienated from their fellow citizens. Little common ground exists between investment bankers and street cleaners, making both feel isolated within their existing social circles. Anomie is an accurate term to describe this division.
Durkheim suggested that the problem of anomie could be overcome through social associations based on professions that would socialize with one another. He believed this would give people a sense of belonging, vital to preventing anomie. In his study, Suicide, Durkheim showed that Catholics committed suicide less often than Protestants because of the sense of community developed within Catholic churches. Thus he advocated the importance of communities within the larger society, through which people can share common values and standards of behavior and success, and so avoid feelings of isolation and the development of anomie.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Durkheim, Emile. 1893. The Division of Labor in Society. The Free Press (reprint 1997). ISBN 0684836386
- Durkheim, Emile. 1897. Suicide. The Free Press (reprint 1997). ISBN 0684836327
- Merton, Robert K. 1949. Social Theory and Social Structure. (revised and enlarged edition 1957, reprint 1968) New York: Free Press of Glencoe. ISBN 0029211301
External links
- "Anomie" discussed at the Émile Durkheim Archive.
- "Definition of Anomie"
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