Durkheim assignment

According to Durkheim, the division of labor allows for the interdependence of complimentary differences, as exemplified by organic solidarity. Although the division of labor at the Oakland Ice Arena leads to organic solidarity, in opposition to Durkheim, it also leads to conflict.
The division of labor is “specialization” within society where productivity is seen in the “competent man…devote[d] to a single furrow” instead of a “man of parts”(2, 4). Although Durkheim acknowledges the increase in “productive capacity and skill of the workman”, he emphasizes division of labor as the cause of organic solidarity, and thus represents a “moral constitution”(3). Durkheim argues that as specialization increases, people differ and become interdependent so that “individuals are linked…[and] concert their efforts”(21). Rooted in the division of labor, Durkheim refers to this interdependent unity of complimentary differences as organic solidarity (17, 85). Organic solidarity emphasizes individual consciousness rather than collective consciousness(23, 85).
Durkheim’s argument of the “division of labor as the source….of social solidarity” is exemplified within the Oakland Ice Center(23). At the Oakland Ice Center, ice guards assist fallen skaters, coaches teach, and Zamboni drivers resurface the ice. These specific workers at the rink are dependent on each other for the maintenance not only of the rink but also their job, ultimately creating a cooperative environment. Within the competitive sphere of figure skating, a skater’s support team not only consists of one coach, but also the collaboration of a choreographer, technical coach, artistic coach, and parent. On the ice, skaters politely give the right of way to others in a lesson. This division of labor is also reflected in competitions, where judges critique skaters, skaters compete, ice monitors supervise, and audiences cheer.
This link between the division of labor and organic solidarity is also apparent within the sport institution. In team sports solidarity not only exists between athletes, coaches, sponsors, and managers, but also within the team. Football consists of a defense and offense team, and specialized positions, such as quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. Due to this specialization, players are interdependent and unite under one team.
Although increased specialization leads to organic solidarity in the figure skating community, in contrast to Durkheim’s argument, it also leads to conflict. Although the sexual division of labor in pair skating allows for a balance and cohesion of the stereotypical athletic qualities of the male and artistic qualities of the female, behind the scenes pair skaters consistently quarrel with one another. At the Oakland Ice Center, single skaters fight with their over-ambitious parents and coaches. In fact, competitive figure skating is stained with scandals including the 1994 attack of Nancy Kerrigan by fellow rival, Tonya Harding, and the 2002 judging controversy. Moreover, the institution of sports, while exemplifying aspects of solidarity, also portrays conflict. Even within unified teams, fights often break out in locker rooms. This coexistence of solidarity and conflict contradicts Durkheim’s argument that as specialization increases, conflict overbears solidarity only in abnormal times; and in normal times, solidarity dominates with little conflict.


References

Durkheim, E. 1984. The Division of Labor in Society. New York: The Free Press.