Define Durkheim's concept of collective consciousness and explain why he believed this was essential for holding society together.

Emile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, defined collective consciousness as the shared beliefs, values, and norms that exist within a society. He believed that this collective consciousness was essential for holding society together because it provided a sense of unity and solidarity among its members. According to Durkheim, when individuals share common beliefs and values, they are more likely to cooperate and work together for the common good of the society. This shared consciousness also creates a sense of belonging and identity, which helps to maintain social order and stability. Durkheim argued that without a collective consciousness, society would be at risk of disintegration and conflict, as individuals would lack a sense of connection and mutual understanding. Therefore, he believed that the collective consciousness was a crucial factor in maintaining social cohesion and preventing social breakdown.