Dorothy Emmet

Dorothy Emmet’s article Motivation in Sociology and Social Anthropology is an analysis of Durkheim’s view of motivation.

In her book, Emmet argues that motivation is not a simple concept, but rather a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and social factors. She also argues that motivation is not simply a matter of internal drives and desires, but rather it is shaped by our social and cultural environment.

Emmet identifies a number of different types of motivation, including:

• Biological motivation: This type of motivation is driven by our basic physiological needs, such as the need for food, water, and shelter.
• Psychological motivation: This type of motivation is driven by our higher-order needs, such as the need for love, belonging, and self-actualization.
• Social motivation: This type of motivation is driven by our desire to conform to social norms and expectations, and to achieve social status and recognition.

Emmet also discusses the relationship between motivation and social structure. She argues that social structure can both constrain and enable our motivations. For example, social class can constrain our access to resources and opportunities, which can limit our ability to achieve our goals. However, social structure can also enable our motivations by providing us with social roles and identities that give our lives meaning and purpose.

Emmet’s book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the complex phenomenon of human motivation. It is a well-written and informative book that is accessible to both students and scholars.

Here are some of the key takeaways from Emmet’s book:

• Motivation is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors.
• Motivation is not simply a matter of internal drives and desires, but rather it is shaped by our social and cultural environment.
• There are different types of motivation, including biological motivation, psychological motivation, and social motivation.
• Social structure can both constrain and enable our motivations.

Emmet’s book is still highly relevant today. It provides us with a framework for understanding how motivation shapes social behavior and how we can create social structures that support people’s motivations and promote their well-being.