God and Godless: Closer than They Appear
French philosopher, sociologist, and social psychologist Émile Durkheim asserts that “a society is to its members what a god is to its faithful.” We may view the role and power of society through Bill Buford’s journalistic piece, Among the Thugs. Buford’s documenting of soccer fandom in the United Kingdom, specifically that which is known as “hooliganism”, provides an apt lens through which one can evaluate Émile Durkheim’s sociological assertions. First, I will begin by examining exactly what is meant by Durkheim’s society-to-god parallel, excavating truths from Among the Thugs which may help to support the Frenchman’s connection. Based on accounts from the book, I suggest that god and society prove themselves similar in three major ways: 1) in terms of their relationship to the individual, or communal bond, 2) as a source of government, setting moral precedent, and 3) for their transformative powers, standing as behavioral catalysts. I will proceed to identify a primary difference between god/religion and society, again drawing upon the case of the hooligans for foundational evidence. The end result of this analysis will hint that the two, society and god, are more alike than they are different. In lending credence to the god-society parallel, it is important to shine light on the relationship dynamic similarities. Perhaps the most obvious truth to Durkheim’s sociological parallel is the fact that both god and society are greater than the individual. A prevailing religious teaching is the notion that god exists, to some degree, within the individual. This is a one-sided dynamic, in the sense that the individual does not explicitly exist within god. In looking to the UK soccer hooligans, it is obvious that the soccer mobs would not exist, if not for the participation of individuals. The hooligans are brought together based on their shared team patronage. Thus, as Durkheim asserts, society is likened to god as both are superior, physically and psychologically, to the individual. Among the Thugs alludes to the governing nature of society. Buford states, “...the “Hooligan maltreated only the “Hooligan… the systematic lawlessness of groups of lads and young men (terrorize) the neighborhood...” There exist laws communicated by society, even to the lawlessness of the violent soccer fans. Belief, both in the case of hooliganism and religion, bond the community. Whether it be patronage to a soccer team or a god, the passion and adhesion is similar - and often more intensified in the case of the hooligans. The communal bonds are watertight. In this instance, the governing comes in the form of directing the group’s violence and aggression.
Both religion and society serve as unparalleled catalysts for change. God and hooliganism are evident forces of motivation, compelling individuals to act in a way that they would otherwise not, “calling them” to action. Their governing powers allow them to deliver moral precedents. Among the Thugs chronicles tremendous transformation of character, ignited by the group: the soccer society. In the case of the UK soccer fans, Buford witnesses a group of individuals who were respectful
