Durkheim and Mead

Hi Emily, I was also thinking about Mead and Durkheim as having somewhat similar concepts! In the same way that Mead talks about the generalized other and how that creates an idealized self (which regulates how you act / behave according to norms and values). I agree with your connection with the concepts like time, space and the universe but I was thinking that Mead's definition of the self could be seen through Durkheim's definition of mechanic and organic solidarity. What I mean is that there is an expectation to adhere to certain roles and expectations in order to retain social cohesion within a structured society. Within organic solidarity, labour has been split up so that each person has an individual role that makes it so that they would be unable to survive on their own. Therefore, each individual defines themselves in their individual roles and must play their role in accordance to prescribed expectations in order for society to function and move forwards In regards to the claims on Durkheim being a positivist, I believe a couple other students are trying to figure that out down below!