What social consequence results from Durkheim's notion of anomie, where people do not know what to expect from others?

• A. Increased Order
• B. People Don't Know What to Expect from One Another
• C. Strict Norms
• D. Predictable Behavior

Answer: (B)

Anomie involves a breakdown of social norms and expectations, especially during times of rapid change or crisis. When norms lose their grip, people don’t have clear guidance about how others will behave, so social regulation weakens and uncertainty takes hold. The key consequence is that interactions become unpredictable because individuals can’t anticipate others’ actions, leading to a sense of disconnection and instability in society. This captures the essence of the described situation: people don’t know what to expect from one another. The other options imply more order or clear rules, which is exactly the opposite of what anomie describes, and would suggest predictable behavior rather than the uncertainty that characterizes normlessness.