Durkheim and the Social Construction of Emotions

Abstract

Although Durkheim has been called the architect of the social constructionist approach to emotions, a careful review of his writings shows that he also accorded biologically constituted emotions a central place in his theory of social solidarity. Human society is created and renewed by the intense arousal that occurs in gatherings and assemblies. Mechanical solidarity is maintained by an instinctive emotional reaction (choler) to the violation of collective sentiments. The division of labor, however, leads to social construction of numerous and diverse emotions, apparently by directing or attaching primary emotions to social objects. Examples of social direction are given in Durkheim's analysis of the depression and anger that motivate suicide. In addition, the role of collective (rather than individual) interpretation in the social causation of emotions is stressed. The cult of the individual, an effect of the division of labor, accounts for the present need for the individual management of emotions.