In my first essay, I address the differences between mechanical and organic solidarity. In the second one, I study the film “Garage Olimpo” that depicts the relationship of Maria, an activist, who is kidnapped by the military, and Felix, a military officer. Maria is captured and tortured in a detention camp and becomes dependent on Felix’s protection for survival. Meanwhile, Felix fulfills his desire through her dependency. This relationship could appear to be based on organic solidarity. However, the use of this concept in this context is limited, as it does not question power relations.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Durkheim and illegal detention centers
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Durkheim identifies solidarity as a “moral phenomenon” that holds society together. Different societies present different types of solidarity. First, mechanical solidarity is based on likeness and it refers to societies in which all members feel, look and act in the same way—there is a lack of individuality and DL. The collective consciousness — common values shared by “the average member” of society — overpowers the individual consciousness. Social consciousness exists independently of the individuals that make up society, but it is carried by them. The individuals who make up these types of societies are not only attracted to one another due to their similarities, but also because their persona is built around the collective. Thus, society’s cohesion is based on the resemblance of its members. Second, organic solidarity is based on complementary differences, and it corresponds with those societies that present DL. Thus, organic solidarity becomes possible only if each individual develops a “sphere of action” particular to him/her (85). The social cohesion depends on the maintenance of a level of individual consciousness that allows the “special function” to develop. As DL increases so does individuals interdependence, and this creates greater cohesion.
ReplyDeleteDurkheim considers that solidarity cannot be measured directly. He considers the law a reflection of it, thus he looks at the different types of laws to understand which corresponds to each type of solidarity. Durkheim concludes that repressive law that punishes a crime corresponds to mechanical solidarity. What is identified as a crime varies in each society and changes over time. However, what characterizes crime is that any member of a particular society who holds a “healthy consciousness” condemns it. The aim of criminal punishment is to reaffirm the community’s commitment to the collective consciousness. It is an emotional reaction, exercised publicly through “an organised body” over the community member who broke a rule. Restitutory law corresponds to organic solidarity. This type of law remedies the situation back to what it “should be,” allowing society to continue to function normally.
The film “Garage Olimpo” depicts the relationship of Maria, an activist and literacy volunteer in the slums of Buenos Aires, who is kidnapped by the military, and Felix, a military officer. Maria is captured and tortured in a detention camp and becomes dependent on Felix’s protection for survival. Meanwhile, Felix fulfills his desire through her dependency. Therefore, this relationship could appear to be based on interdependence. However, the use of this concept in this context is limited, as it does not question power relations.
On one hand, Maria's main goal is to survive, and she can achieve this through the protection that Felix grants her. He protects her from mass rape and also provides her food and supplies. On the other hand, Felix achieves control of Maria’s life in the concentration camp, and imposes himself on her. Both are aware that outside of the camp their “relationship” would not be possible, as they are in opposite sides of the political spectrum.
However, Maria’s individual consciousness does not develop through this complementary relationship, as the protection Felix can offer her is limited. Thus, she is not exempt from physical and mental torture inflicted on all prisoners, including being locked in small, empty, dark cells while blindfolded. The goal of torture is to overpower the victim to the point where he/she has lost any strength of resistance and judgment; the body and mind of the victim become tools to abuse him or her. The prisoners through this shared experience are homogenized and their individuality erased. In this context, the relationship between her and Felix can only be considered part of the physical and mental torture, as she is left without any other choice but to accept him. The relationship though complementary is not based on solidarity, because of unequal power relations. Thus, Durkheim’s idea of solidarity is limited because it does not question power relations.
Interesting post! You explained the concepts well in the first section and I enjoyed your explanation of the film in the second part. Now I want to watch this film. I like how you critiqued Durkheim by bringing up the significance of power relations within society.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. You point out one of Durkheim's "holes" in his theory of solidarity. Durkheim does not consider conflict and power relations when he speaks of society. He speaks only speaks of two types of solidarity and assumes that all of society will fall under the two. Here you've provided a wonderful example of how Durkheim's solidarity falls short.
ReplyDelete