The irony of repressive law
The purpose of the law is to enhance order in society without subjecting people to suffering. Ironically, the primitive society practices repressive law, which punishes culprits without allowing them to become better members of society. The reader expects the law to be used in punishing lawbreakers and correcting them to be accepted by society.
Motivation for cooperation
What motivates people to embrace division of labor? According to the author, people are motivated to cooperate because they want to succeed. But, ironically, a healthy society is not entirely based on sole motivation to achieve mutual success. Instead, some people are focused on attaining their particular goals, which do not rhyme with society's expectations.
The irony of solidarity
According to the author, the primary goal of the division of labor is to enhance solidarity. Ironically, division of labor creates fake solidarity in small societies! Consequently, division of labor is discriminative because it fails to serve the larger purpose of unifying society.
Promotion of harmony
Harmony is a product of peaceful coexistence among the members of society. Sardonically, Durkheim argues that harmony is a product of the division of labor, which contradicts readers' expectations. Practically, division of labor enhances more success in executing duties because each person specializes in a particular field.
The irony of the modern society
Division of labor is a concept embraced by modern society in which individuals feel that they are unified to attain a particular purpose in life. Ironically, the same contemporary society refuses to embrace communism because it prefers capitalism. The concept of capitalism does not merge well with the division of labor.
