This essay will be based on Durkhuim's argument which states that society is held together by sets of norms which are transmited to us by social institutions like the family, schools and that process fundamentally shapes our social biography.The essay will heve two parts to it the first part will discuss theory and the second part will discuss my social biography under the following headings:norms, socialization, social institutions, social cohosiuon and social biography. By doing the above my social biography, which will be based on an interview with Mrs Cele the authors life skills teacher who played an important role in who the authour is today. In the essay the author tries to put across that even though we are socialized by our different social institutions, we still as people have the power to take responsibility in shaping our lives.By taking action,making right and reasonable action.
Norms.
Norms are said to be expectations about appropriate conduct that serves as common guidelines for social interaction, which is also called common morality. Through these norms that people share and collectively believe in society is held together. Which gives people a sence of security, identity and belonging to a group that thinks like them. Which minimizes individualism which according to Durkheim (1858- 1917) is when one persues their own interests to develop their individual talents which makes them different from others in society, and only benefits the individual on his/her own. As humans our behaviour and relationships are guided by socially determined ways of acting which helps to limit our actions as individuals Durkheim (1858- 1917). The rules are seen as social facts, as it applies to all natural things, which are governed by rules, which are acquired by learning or serving.
As individuals that are connected by norms, we need to work together in a system where we all contribute and work towads one goal to that the system can operate properly.