Citation

Huang CF. css 2014; 10(3): 479-484.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, International Institute of Semiotic Studies of Nanjing, Publisher Walter de Gruyter)

DOI

10.1515/css-2014-0038

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study explores Durkheim's theory of the society and the symbol and its relation to structuralists such as Saussure and Levi-Strauss. Durkheim asserts that a society is a state of "solidarity", which can only be grasped via symbolism. "Repressive laws", such as criminal laws, symbolize the traditional society constituted by similarities among people; while "restitutory laws", such as civil laws, symbolize the modern society constituted by differences. Durkheim traces the symbols back to religion, which divides the world into sacred and secular domains. Religion makes use of totems, as symbols, to exert force upon members of tribes. The dichotomies constructed by Saussure and Levi-Strauss respectively are influenced by Durkheim to a certain extent.

Language: en