Along with Marx and Weber, Durkheim outlined the characteristics of the transition of society to modernity and what was problematic with this shift. This essay will explain Durkheim's ideas on this transition, concentrating on the division of labour and social cohesion. I will explain how this path to modernity may lead to a state of anomie and outline the links Durkheim made with anomie and suicide. Finally, I will look at uses of the term …showed first 75 words of 1939 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1939 total…of anomie. However, much of Durkheim's ideas of anomie have been criticized and even Merton's theory has been criticized for assuming too much conformity and consensus along with an overly integrated view of society, and an over socialized view of people. Bibliography Lukes 'Emile Durkheim, His Life and Work' 1973 Giddens 'Durkheim' 1978 Merton 'Social Structure and Anomie' in 'Social theory and Social Structure' 1968 Morrison 'Marx, Durkheim, Weber' Putnam 'Bowling Alone' New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2000.