Theories of Social Integration

Theories of social integration explore how individuals become connected within a society, fostering cohesion and stability. They suggest that shared values, norms, and institutions bind people together, encouraging cooperation and reducing conflict. For example, Emile Durkheim emphasized that social integration helps maintain social order through collective conscience, while other theories highlight the importance of social bonds, roles, and networks. Essentially, these theories explain how diverse individuals and groups unite to form a functioning, harmonious society by establishing common frameworks and relationships.