The book cites research suggesting that a breakdown of social ties makes it harder for someone to find a job, resist illness, cope with stress, and lead a satisfying life. Communities and regions with less social capital are suggested to suffer more crime, educate their children less, and have less smoothly functioning economies.
In conclusion, the idea of 'anomie' is still very much relevant today and is especially evident in modern society, where we are further separated and divided by computer technology, the internet, increasing bureaucracy, and specialization in the workplace. Perhaps more than ever before, members of Western society are exposed to the risk of anomie. However, much of Durkheim's ideas of anomie have been criticized and even Merton's theory has been criticized for assuming too much conformity and consensus along with an overly integrated view of society, and an over socialized view of people.
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