Normlessness refers to a state in society where social norms and values are unclear or absent. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty among individuals about what behaviors are acceptable. In such situations, people may feel disconnected from the community, as the usual guidelines for behavior are no longer present. This concept is often associated with the work of Emile Durkheim, a sociologist who studied the effects of rapid social change. He argued that normlessness, or anomie, can result from factors like economic upheaval or social disintegration, leading to increased feelings of isolation and a breakdown of social cohesion.