Durkheim's Theory Of Duality In Society And Religion Summary

Durkheimian Analysis of the Acceptance of Homosexuality in Society and Religion
Homosexuality continues to be condemned by societies, especially religious ones; many view it as unnatural, immoral, uncivilised and fleshly. A new movement has given the perspective of homosexuality to be innate, natural and rather something part of a person’s being. The change in idea from certain individuals is creating a shift in the entire society, which shows how individuals make up society as much as society makes up the individual. This interesting dynamic can be applied to Durkheim 's theory of the dualism of human nature. One part of nature being the body which is profane and the other part being the soul which is sacred, both conflicting with one another. …show more content…
He explains the dualism between the individual and society - without society the self would be empty. The individual experiences senses that are exclusive to them alone whiles intelligence, concepts and morality are shared commonly amongst people. Senses pertain only to the individual whiles thoughts are common and relate to the entire society as they can be exchanged. This theory is expressed by Durkheim: “In effect, it is between the sensations and the sensory appetites on the one hand, and intellectual and moral life on the other, that the conflicts take place, of which we have given examples.” The contradiction occurs because one can be shared whiles the other cannot, even though they both need to exist for society and the individual to exist. In other words, we are as much individuals through our own experiences and senses as we are a product of society through our thoughts. Finally, the body and soul are separate entities- the body profane and the soul sacred. The body experiences the world through senses whiles the soul recognizes what is right and wrong. Although they are two parts of human nature they contradict one another because the soul can exist without the body; the soul is what separates one from …show more content…
The ideas of dualism of the human nature can be seen in how homosexuality is viewed as either profane or sacred and how the individual impacts society as much as society impacts the individual. Homosexuality can viewed as profane as it pertains to the senses and the body or it can be viewed as religious as people can identify with it in regards to their soul. People are coming to see in the aspect of their identity and not only as a physical desire. This can be viewed more positively by people especially the religious community. As the minds of the individuals change to viewing homosexuality no more as a bad thing, society as a whole is gradually becoming more accepting of this. This shows, how society defines the individual and how our thoughts are an extension of society. Through the understanding of the fact that everyone experience sexuality individually and exchanges these ideas with other, society as a whole has shifted to accepting homosexuality. The actions of the individuals hold power because their voices have changed the beliefs of our religiously influenced nation. Through the supreme court 's decision, the alteration will further affect other people beliefs. In addition, religions are beginning to reshape their stance on this issue of homosexuality and becoming more liberal or, at least, tolerant to it. All in all, it is evident that