Criticisms

• Worsley 1956: No sharp distinction between sacred and profane. Different clans also share the same totems
• Durkheim's theory can only be applied to small scale societies with a single religion as multiple religions can coexist
• Mestrovic 2011: Durkheim's ideas cannot be applied to contemporary society as increasing diversity has fragmented our collective conscience. Thus there is no longer a single shared value system for religion to reinforce.