Which term is defined as a situation in which society no longer has the support of a firm collective consciousness?

• A. Mechanical solidarity
• B. Organic solidarity
• C. Anomie
• D. Capitalism

Answer: (B)

Durkheim’s idea here centers on how social order is maintained through a shared system of norms and beliefs. When that shared set of norms weakens or collapses, people lose guidance for behavior and social regulation breaks down—that state is called anomie. The phrase “no longer has the support of a firm collective consciousness” directly captures this normlessness and breakdown of social integration. Mechanical solidarity refers to cohesion based on likeness in simple societies, while organic solidarity describes cohesion from interdependence in complex, differentiated societies. Capitalism is an economic system, not a term for normlessness. So, the term that fits the definition is anomie.