Emile Durkheim introduced the concept of Anomie in “The Division of Labor in Society” published in 1893. He added to it further with his later publication in 1897 “Suicide.” Generally, anomie refers to a societal state of normlessness or lack of social cohesion. This normlessness occurs when there is a breakdown in the general social norms that guide collective behavior. This can lead to a greater sense of disorientation among more members of a society then at other points in history. This matters as individuals come to lack a clear understanding of what is expected of them, leading to feelings of insecurity, uncertainty, and frustration.
Anomie is most likely to occur during periods of rapid social change. In such periods, traditional norms are disrupted, and new norms and values have yet to emerge as ingrained replacements. This is what creates that state of normlessness. Durkheim argued that many negative consequences are the result of such anomic conditions. For example, society may experience increases in rates of crime, suicide, and other forms of deviant behavior.
It could be argued that the United States is currently undergoing an experience with collective anomie. This is due to several factors. In this century alone the pace of social, economic, environmental and political change has been dizzying. With a culture the places an emphasis on individualism, the United States is always vulnerable to the disruptive influences of social change. A common consequence of its presence in U.S. today can be found in the increasing polarization and divisiveness we are witnessing in the public discourse. Further, increasing suicide and overdose rates are growing evidence of the social isolation and despair being felt by many Americans.
In many ways societal anomie is analogous to a mental illness diagnosis at the individual level. For example, anomie and mental illness involve a disruption in the normal functioning of a system. In the case of anomie, it is a disruption in the stability and coherence of a society. Whereas with mental illness the disruption is in normal functioning of the individual’s mental and emotional processes. Further, both anomie and mental illness generate negative outcomes. Anomie often leads to social unrest, deviance, and a breakdown in social order. Similarly, mental illness can produce negative outcomes such as poor physical health, impaired functioning, and increased risk of suicide.
When individuals experience anomie, they start to feel disconnected from society and its cultural ways. This contributes to a sense of purposelessness and alienation. A common response to such detachment and disorientation is for individuals to seek out alternative ways in finding meaning and purpose in their lives. Durkheim believed this could include greater participation in deviant behavior.
Anomie can increase deviance in several ways:
- When social norms break down, individuals may no longer understand what is expected of them or what is considered acceptable behavior. This uncertainty makes it easier for individuals to engage in deviant behavior.
- When social institutions and community ties weaken due to anomie there is less social control over individuals’ behavior. The engagement in deviant behavior then is linked to the absence of fear for consequences
- When individuals feel less connected to others and a less engaged with society there is an absence of social integration. The sense of alienation this can produce may lead individuals to seek out deviant subcultures where they feel a sense of belonging.
The causal link between anomie and increased deviance is rooted in the breakdown of social norms, values, and institutions that provide a sense of order, meaning, and purpose in society. This breakdown can lead individuals to feel disconnected from society, increasing the likelihood of engaging in deviant behavior as a way of finding meaning and purpose.
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