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Emile Durkheim Anomie Summary

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Emile Durkheim describes anomie as a disruptive social change leading to too little regulation and a loss of social control. Natural disaster is one of the situations that may lead to anomie. In 1972 a flood wreaked havoc on the community of Buffalo Creek disrupting the social control. Erickson writes that out of the 615 survivors, 93% were left emotionally damaged from the event. This can be largely contributed to the loss of social control and connection that took place in the event of the flood. As the community crumbled around them, many individuals were left with a feeling of loss and many teens turned to delinquency. Erikson further elaborates on the loss of connection faced when he refers to the fear and disorientation caused by the

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