Which concept describes cohesion based on interdependence from specialized roles?

• A. Organic Solidarity
• B. Mechanical Solidarity
• C. Communal solidarity
• D. Associational solidarity

Answer: (A)

Organic solidarity describes cohesion that comes from interdependence produced by a division of labor. In modern, complex societies, people perform highly specialized roles, and social unity depends on how these diverse functions rely on one another for goods, services, and support. This kind of solidarity emerges not from shared similarities or beliefs but from the mutual dependence that different occupations create.

This contrasts with mechanical solidarity, where cohesion comes from the sameness of people—similar tasks, values, and lifestyles—creating unity through likeness rather than interdependence. The other terms don’t capture the idea of unity arising from our functional reliance on each other’s specialized roles.