Late-Modern Symbolism: Continuity and Discontinuity Between the Modern and the Pre-Modern in Durkheim’s Work

TY - JOUR

T1 - Late-Modern Symbolism

T2 - Continuity and Discontinuity Between the Modern and the Pre-Modern in Durkheim’s Work

AU - Andersen, Bjørn Schiermer

PY - 2015/1/1

Y1 - 2015/1/1

N2 - Through analysis of key texts, I seek to demonstrate the explanative potential of Durkheim’s sociology of religion in the present context. I critically readdress the idea, found in his early work, that modernity is characterized by a rupture with pre-modern forms of solidarity. First, I investigate the ways in which Durkheim sets up a stark distinction between the pre-modern and the modern in his early work, and how this distinction is further cemented by his orthodox critique of the modern economy and its negative effects on social life. Second, I show how another timeless and positive understanding of “mechanical” solidarity is to be found behind the “symbolist” template crystalizing in Durkheim’s late work. Third, I develop this template for a modern context by critically addressing and removing other obstacles and prejudices on Durkheim’s part.

AB - Through analysis of key texts, I seek to demonstrate the explanative potential of Durkheim’s sociology of religion in the present context. I critically readdress the idea, found in his early work, that modernity is characterized by a rupture with pre-modern forms of solidarity. First, I investigate the ways in which Durkheim sets up a stark distinction between the pre-modern and the modern in his early work, and how this distinction is further cemented by his orthodox critique of the modern economy and its negative effects on social life. Second, I show how another timeless and positive understanding of “mechanical” solidarity is to be found behind the “symbolist” template crystalizing in Durkheim’s late work. Third, I develop this template for a modern context by critically addressing and removing other obstacles and prejudices on Durkheim’s part.

U2 - 10.1080/00380237.2015.978935

DO - 10.1080/00380237.2015.978935

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0038-0237

VL - 48

SP - 49

EP - 67

JO - Sociological Focus

JF - Sociological Focus

IS - 1

ER -