Durkheim's Concept of Anomie as Dérèglement

We contrast the functionalists' depiction of anomie as normlessness with Durkheim's explicit claim that anomie is a state of painful dereglement (derangement). We examine Durkheim's terms for anomie, analyzing his vocabulary both etymologically and throughout his major writings. We conclude that the notion of anomie as normlessness is incorrect. Anomie as dereglement implies that it is a painful condition for society and its members. Our understanding of anomie is also commensurate with Durkheim's focus on morality, particularly his understanding of a “science of moral facts.”