... religious community, where members have similar norms, values and identities. Durkheim and Tonnies both discuss theories of social integration within society, showing how social behaviour develops and adapts over time. However, within this essay I shall discuss theories of social integration in "modern societies", therefore it is important to consider the characteristics of contemporary society before I start. Society is becoming increasingly diverse, and it could be argued that this leads to greater individual expression and freedom, however it may also be argued that this leads to alienation and anomie (both of which I shall discuss more thoroughly later on). Durkheim and Tonnies present quite different views on social integration within modern society. Durkheim displays a more positive and progressive approach to methods of integration. He recognises that we live in a society based increasingly on difference and individualism, but believes that this has a positive effect on social integration, (ironically) ...

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