In a new irregular feature, World Cup Hippo analyses how key sociologists would apply their theories and beliefs to modern football. Sociology sets out to be the study of human social life, groups and societies. This week we explore what sociologist Emile Durkheim would do if he was England manager.

French sociologist Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) was one of the founding fathers of the sociological discipline. He aimed to demonstrate that sociology was a subject distinct from psychology, as social groups and societies have an existence over and above the individual.  Stated simply, all humans are born into a society and much of their activity is shaped by the nature of the societies in which they live. Sociology can therefore concern itself with the study of society as a whole, as society has properties which transcend individual people. These societal properties, such as rules and laws, are external to individuals and constrain their behaviour. Modern societies are also characterised by what Durkheim termed ‘organic solidarity’, which means that different elements of society fulfil functions that maintain the overarching social order. In conclusion, society is more than the sum of its parts.

We can thus predict with pinpoint accuracy how these views would impact on Durkheim’s selection for the England team this summer. Durkheim would see the team as an entity which has an existence over and above the players who comprise it. The functioning collective whole is sovereign: a ramshackle selection of individuals cannot be considered a football side.

• David Beckham’s epic celebrity status challenges the notion that the team is more than the sum of its parts. Durkheim cannot accept this and drops him without a second thought. Workmanlike Wigan winger Jimmy Bullard is brought into the team instead.
• Durkheim also drops Michael Owen who is a prolific individualistic goal poacher, but is difficult to play with and is too lightweight to hold the ball up to bring team members into the attack. Owen therefore does little to contribute to the organic solidarity of the team. Bolton’s robust forward Kevin Davies takes his place.
• Jose Mourinho has turned Joe Cole’s game around, but if Durkheim as much as smelt a posing playground hog, Cole would be warming the bench. Tenacious Dennis Wise will scrap all day for the team cause and probably can’t even do a step-over: he’s booked a place on the ferry to Germany!
• Combative Wayne Rooney is a bit of a troublemaker and he isn’t constrained sufficiently by external rules and overarching team properties. He is a threat to the organic solidarity of the team and is replaced by the less rebellious Emile Heskey.
• And Gary Neville is dropped, which is nothing to do with Durkheim’s sociological principles, he just thinks Neville is a bit of an idiot. 

Durkheim’s XI

1. Paul Robinson
2. Jamie Carragher
3. Wayne Bridge
4. Steven Gerrard
5. Ledley King
6. John Terry
7. Jimmy Bullard
8. Frank Lampard
9. Kevin Davies
10. Emile Heskey
11. Dennis Wise

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 7th, 2006 at 6:10 pm and is filed under Sociology Soccer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Return to home page.