Theory of the collective
Introduction
The notion of collective consciousness refers to shared beliefs and moral attitudes, which function as a unifying force within society.[1] This force is separate and generally dominant compared to individual conscience. According to this theory, a society, a nation or a group constitutes an entity that behaves like a global individual. It must be differentiated from the notion of the collective unconscious, which refers to the set of symbols, archetypes or primordial images in human society that transcend time.
Approaches to the term
Durkheim's contribution
The expression was coined by the sociologist Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) in several of his works:[2] Thus, Durkheim maintains that:.
In his book De la division du travail social, Durkheim argues that in "traditional" or "simpler" societies (those based on family, tribal, or clan relations), religion plays an important role in uniting its members through the creation of a common conscience (conscience collective in the original French). In societies of this type, the contents of an individual's consciousness are widely shared in common with all other members of his society, creating a mechanical solidarity through mutual similarity. So, collective consciousness is much less important in a society with organic solidarity than in one with mechanical solidarity. Members of a modern society are more likely to be held together by the division of labor and the need for others to perform certain functions than by a powerful collective consciousness.
Giddens contribution
Anthony Giddens points out that collective consciousness differs in the two types of societies in four dimensions:
In a society characterized by mechanical solidarity, practically all of its members share the same collective consciousness; This is perceived with great intensity, is extremely rigid, and its content is usually religious in nature. In a society of organic solidarity, the collective consciousness is smaller and shared by a smaller number of individuals; It is perceived with less intensity, it is not very rigid, and its content is defined by the concept of "moral individualism."