Which term refers to a condition of ineffective social control due to a loss of shared values?

Anomie refers to a state of normlessness that arises when there is a breakdown of societal norms and values, resulting in ineffective social control. It originates from the work of sociologist Émile Durkheim, who identified anomie as a key factor in social disintegration, particularly during periods of significant change or upheaval. In such contexts, individuals may feel disconnected from the collective values of their society, leading to confusion about acceptable behaviors and expectations.

This sense of disconnection can lead to increased feelings of isolation or aimlessness, as individuals struggle to navigate a world where shared values no longer provide guidance. Anomie reflects not only a lack of normative clarity but also a deeper sociological issue regarding cohesion and integration within society.

In contrast, the other terms, such as normlessness or disorganization, may describe similar phenomena but lack the specific analytical framework and historical context that anomie encompasses. Alienation, while it does connect to feelings of isolation, focuses more on the individual's disconnection from their own sense of self or from society's structural elements rather than solely on the breakdown of shared societal values.