Durkheim on individualism and property rights: Origin of institutional framework

Abstract

In this paper we tried to point out to Durkheim's conception of individualism which was founded on the political philosophy of Rousseau and Kant. The last two authors are also important for the reconstruction of Durkheim's view on the origin and role of (private) ownership. We showed that his understanding of the origin of the institution of property directly related to the role which he intended for corporations in modern society. In Durkheim's case, meritocracy can be viewed through the lens of his aspirations for the realization of legal formal, but also 'initiali material equality of all members of a society. Therefore, in the case of Durkheim's work, it can be understood as the pursuit of the realization of the principle that would imply permanent intervention of the state and corporation in order to ensure equal conditions for all.