... and motivations of individuals for it's continued existence. In his aim to establish sociological autonomy, to establish Sociology as a discipline sui generis, Durkheim sees society as more than just the individuals who constitute that society, believing in the ability to explain individual action in terms of society as a whole. Thus, in outlining the evolution of social phenomena, Durkheim saw a fundamental difference between pre-industrial and industrial societies. In the former there is relatively little social differentiation: the division of labour is comparatively unspecialised. Social solidarity in pre-industrial societies is based on similarities between individual members - they share the same beliefs and values and, to a large degree, the same roles. This uniformity binds members of society together in a close-knit communal life. Durkheim refers to unity based on resemblance as 'mechanical solidarity'. Individuals feel moral obligation to others because others are like themselves. Society is built around ...

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