Durkheim work was focused on how traditional and modern societies function. His theories were focused on social facts defined as the norms, values and structure of society. His theories were focused in these external factors rather than the internal things like desire and motivation.

According to him, collective consciousness, values and rules are critical for a society to function.

Durkheim theories are of functionalism, anomie and division of labor.

Functionalism: emphasizes a societal equilibrium. If something happens to disrupt the social equilibrium, the society adjusts to be in a stable state.

According to Durkheim, society is a function of interrelated parts, where no one part can function without the other. These parts make the whole society. If one part changes, it has an impact on the society as a whole.

For example, the state provides public education for children. The family of the children pays taxes which the state uses for public education. The children become law abiding citizens, works and pay taxes.

If for some reason, some children drop out of school, they become criminal. The system adjusts and tries to rehabilitate them through jail or other means, to become law abiding and tax paying citizens.

Division of labor: focuses on a shift in society from a simple society to one which is more complex. He argues that traditions society was homogenous in values and norms. Modern societies are made up of complex division of labor. In traditional societies, social behavior was regulated. In modern society, common mindfulness is less obvious and less regulated.

Mechanical solidarity: occurs where individual within structural units are alike and self -sufficient. In tradition societies, people cropped for food and other basic necessities and didn’t interact much because they don’t have to rely on others.

Organic solidarity: is where large population is stratified into smaller structural units. There is high interdependence on each other and division of labor.         

Durkheim recognized that things like increased communication, transportation and interaction with others, helped societies to shift from mechanical solidarity to the organic solidarity. If societies transforms too quickly, from traditional to modern and breakdown of norms and collective mindfulness occurs, the concept of community becomes weakened. This results in crises and problems.

Anomie is a result of division of labor and rapid social change from traditional to modern society.

Anomie: Refers to conditions where there is a breakdown of social norms and guidance. Anomie occurs where society has little influence on individual tendency to follow rules and norms. Therefore, individual are left without moral guidance. Individuals do not feel attached to the collective society.    

Anomie causes the feelings of isolation because they feel their only attachment is to the system in which they don’t believe in. It also causes frustration and sense of deprivation. The concept of anomie was presented in his book “Sucide”. High or low level of social integration results in overburden or isolation respectively, resulting in suicide.