Durkheim, socialism and Marxism

pp. 117-132

in: Anthony Giddens, Profiles and critiques in social theory, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 1982

Abstract

My aim in what follows will not be to offer a textual examination of the various discussions and comments on socialism that are to be found scattered through Durkheim's writings.¹ Rather, I want to pose the question: is there anything in Durkheim's account of socialism that remains of value today, when we inhabit a world which has changed profoundly since Durkheim's time? I do not write as a particular admirer of Durkheim's views about sociology. These views have had an enormous influence, in varying ways and contexts, upon the subsequent development of the social sciences, but in my opinion this influence has not always been a fruitful one. I do want to argue, however, that Durkheim's analysis of socialism — not an aspect of his work which has been debated as frequently as some others — contains some ideas that are a stimulus to reflection about contemporary political problems.