Social Solidarity in the Barrios: Emile Durkheim in Action

Few days ago, our HR in PNU called me asking for my complete address since I was not able to give complete data about my residences (from their perspective). I was silent for few seconds since I don’t know what to answer to their inquiry for I cannot give any complete address particularly the number of our home residence since house numbering were not being done and practice in the barrios. Luckily here in our Batangas residence, we have our street name but in Sariaya, it's all the more confusing since I usually give Brgy. Mamala, Sariaya, Quezon as my complete address. I cannot think of any better explanation. Fortunately, I remembered Emile Durkheim’s sociological theory. I told the HR personnel that it has not been a practice in the barrios for it is a rural area. As rural area, there is an integral social solidarity. This is called mechanical solidarity for its cohesion and integration where rooted on homogeneity of individuals that are connected through familial ties and networks. It was for this reason that even in barrios, they knew each other even though others are living few kilometers from them. Unlike in urban areas, communities are living in organic solidarity wherein there is no familial familiarity and networks. It is no wonder that even though they are just few steps from their residence, they don’t even know each other. It was for this reason that in the barrios if they are letters, it is usually given in barangay hall. The barangay officials will be the one who will be in-charged of its distributions and disseminations.