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Definition:
The label "anomie" is applied to the sense that one's social group lacks cohesion and
definition - particularly with regards to moral values. This feeling might results from a
disaster or war which disrupts the functioning of society or might be the result of
fundamental and disruptive shifts in traditional values as society undergoes changes
and people around seem to be living dissolute lives.
Another, less obvious, cause might be a social system which encourages individual autonomy to such a degree that individuals no longer feel an identification with the wider community and, instead, identify solely with their own interests and actions. Émile Durkheim used this in an attempt to explain suicide rates in 19th century Europe. According to Durkheim, suicide rates were higher among Protestants than among Catholics because the former were less likely to develop strong attachments to communities which would help them cope with stress during times of crisis.
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Related Resources:
What are Ethics and Morality?
Ethics is the formal study of moral standards and conduct. For this reason, the study of ethics is also often called "moral philosophy." What is good? What is evil? How should I behave - and why? How should I balance my needs against the needs of others?What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
