Emile Durkheim and Understanding Capitalism

Introduction to Emile Durkheim

• Born in 1858 in Apena, France, near the German border.
• Became a professor at the Sorbonne in Paris before age 40.
• Observed the transformation of France from an agricultural society to an industrial economy.

Key Insights on Capitalism

• Durkheim noted that capitalism increases wealth but also leads to feelings of misery.
• His seminal work, Suicide (1897), revealed that suicide rates rise with industrialization and consumer capitalism.
• Notable statistics:
  • Suicide rates in 1890s Britain: double that of Italy.
  • In Denmark, rates were four times higher than in the UK.

The Impact of Modern Capitalism on Mental Health

• Suicide serves as a dramatic indicator of societal unhappiness and despair.
• Identified five crucial factors contributing to unhappiness in modern societies:
  1. Individualism: In traditional societies, identities are tied to family or clan with little personal choice.
  2. Choice and Responsibility: Modern capitalism places the burden of choice on individuals, leading to greater accountability for failures.
  3. Rising Expectations: Capitalism raises hopes of success, but this leads to significant disappointment when aspirations are not met.
  4. Envy and Comparison: Exposure to others' success can result in dissatisfaction, fueled by advertising.
  5. Pathologizing Emotions: Sadness and grief are viewed as failures rather than normal human responses.

The Erosion of Social Norms

• Capitalism undermines traditional social norms, leading to a more complex, anonymous society.
• Individuals face ambiguous answers to fundamental questions (e.g., marriage, child-rearing).
• The rise of the phrase "whatever works for you" signifies a lack of communal guidance.

Religion and Community

• Durkheim, an atheist, recognized the importance of religion for community and solace.
• Religion offers communal experiences that capitalism does not replace.
• Attempts to find belonging in nation or family have largely failed:
  • Families are less stable and no longer offer the same sense of belonging.
  • National identity lacks the emotional pull that religion once provided.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Durkheim

• Durkheim diagnosed societal ills and highlighted the pressures modern economies place on individuals.
• Challenges ahead:
  • Find new ways to foster community and belonging.
  • Balance individual freedom with societal solidarity.
  • Develop ideologies that mitigate the harsh judgment of personal failures.