organic solidarity
C1Academic
Definition
Meaning
A concept in sociology describing social cohesion based on interdependence resulting from the division of labour, where individuals perform different roles that are necessary for the functioning of society.
A form of social unity in complex, modern societies where individuals are bound together not by their similarities but by their complementary differences and mutual reliance on one another's specialized functions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A term coined by Émile Durkheim, in direct opposition to 'mechanical solidarity'. It refers to the social integration of members of a society with high degrees of specialisation and interdependence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both UK and US academic sociology. Minor potential differences may appear in illustrative examples (e.g., UK might reference NHS, US might reference corporate structures).
Connotations
Purely academic and theoretical in both varieties.
Frequency
Exclusively used in academic and sociological contexts in both UK and US English. No measurable difference in frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Society X] exhibits organic solidarity.Organic solidarity arises from [complex division of labour].The concept of organic solidarity was developed by Durkheim to explain [social cohesion in modern societies].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The glue of modern society”
- “The ties that bind (a complex system)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used directly. May appear in discussions of corporate culture, cross-departmental collaboration, or supply chain interdependence as an analogy.
Academic
Primary context. Found in sociology, anthropology, and social theory texts discussing Durkheim, social structure, and modernity.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be misunderstood or sound overly technical.
Technical
Core term in sociological theory and analysis of social systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The society began to organically solidify around new economic roles.
- Their community failed to organically solidify due to a lack of specialisation.
American English
- The division of labor organically solidifies modern social bonds.
- He argued that markets help organically solidify complex societies.
adverb
British English
- The group cohered organically solidaristically, not by force.
- Society developed organically solidaristically over centuries.
American English
- The network functions organically solidaristically, without central planning.
- They are bound together organically solidaristically through trade.
adjective
British English
- The move towards an organically solidaristic society was gradual.
- They studied the organically-solidarity model of urban development.
American English
- An organically solidaristic community relies on diverse skills.
- His theory describes an organically-solidarity type of social order.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Modern cities depend on organic solidarity, with people doing many different jobs.
- Durkheim said organic solidarity is what holds industrial societies together.
- The shift from mechanical to organic solidarity marked the transition from traditional to modern social structures.
- Organic solidarity, based on the division of labour, creates cohesion through interdependence rather than shared belief.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a modern car engine (ORGANIC). Each part is different (piston, spark plug, camshaft), but they all SOLIDARILY work together to make the car run. Different parts, one function.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A LIVING ORGANISM (where organs perform different, interdependent functions for the health of the whole body).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'organic' as 'органический' in the sense of chemical-free food. Here it means 'systemic', 'organized', 'like an organism'.
- Do not confuse 'solidarity' with 'солидарность' only in its political/union sense. Here it is a structural, sociological term.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'mechanical solidarity'.
- Using it to describe simple cooperation or teamwork rather than a society-wide structural principle.
- Misspelling as 'organisation solidarity'.
- Using it outside an academic/sociological context.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best exemplifies a society characterized by organic solidarity?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mechanical solidarity is based on the similarities between individuals (shared beliefs, rituals, lifestyle) in simple, traditional societies. Organic solidarity is based on the differences and interdependence between individuals with specialised roles in complex, modern societies.
Typically, no. Durkheim saw organic solidarity as a defining feature of large-scale, industrially advanced societies with a complex division of labour. Small communities are more likely to exhibit mechanical solidarity.
In Durkheim's work, it is a descriptive, analytical concept. He saw it as the necessary glue for modern societies, but he also analyzed potential downsides, such as anomie (normlessness), which can arise when interdependence breaks down or is not regulated properly.
No. Here, 'organic' is used in its older sense meaning 'systemic' or 'relating to a living organism', where different parts serve different functions for the whole. It has no connection to the agricultural term.