Research Paper on a Theorist

In 1895, Durkheim founded the journal L'Année sociologique (The Sociological Year), which served as a platform for the dissemination of sociological research and the development of new theoretical perspectives. He also played a crucial role in establishing sociology as an academic discipline, founding the Department of Sociology at the University of Paris in 1912.

Major Works and Key Concepts

Durkheim's most influential works include The Rules of Sociological Method (1895), Suicide (1897), and The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1912). In these works, he explored fundamental concepts such as social order, social cohesion, social facts, collective consciousness, and anomie.

• Social Order: Durkheim argued that social order is not merely the sum of individual actions but arises from a shared set of norms, values, and beliefs that bind individuals together. He saw society as a complex organism with its own unique characteristics and functions.

• Social Cohesion: Durkheim emphasized the importance of social cohesion, the forces that bind individuals together and maintain social order. He believed that social institutions, such as religion and morality, play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion.

• Social Facts: Durkheim distinguished between social facts, which are external to individuals and exist in their own right, and individual facts, which are subjective and internal to individuals. He argued that social facts should be studied objectively, using scientific methods.

• Collective Consciousness: Durkheim introduced the concept of collective consciousness, the set of shared beliefs, values, and sentiments that define a society. He believed that collective consciousness provides individuals with a sense of identity and belonging.

• Anomie: Durkheim identified anomie as a condition of social breakdown characterized by a lack of social norms and values. He believed that anomie could lead to deviant behavior, including suicide.

Significance and Influence

Durkheim's contributions to sociology have been profound and far-reaching. His emphasis on the importance of social order, social cohesion, and social facts laid the foundation for functionalist sociology, a major sociological perspective. His work has also had a significant impact on the study of deviance, religion, and social change.

Durkheim's influence extends beyond sociology to other fields such as anthropology, psychology, and criminology. His concepts continue to be used to analyze contemporary social phenomena such as social inequality, globalization, and technological change.

Applications and Research Questions

Durkheim's concepts can be applied to a wide range of sociological research questions. For instance, his concept of anomie can be used to examine the relationship between social inequality and crime rates. His analysis of religion can be used to explore the role of religious beliefs in social cohesion and conflict. His insights into social change can be applied to studies of social movements and the impact of globalization.

Key Term Glossary

• Anomie: A condition of social breakdown characterized by a lack of social norms and values.

• Collective consciousness: The set of shared beliefs, values, and sentiments that define a society.

• Social facts: External to individuals and exist in their own right.

• Social order: A state of relative stability and harmony in society.

• Social cohesion: The forces that bind individuals together and maintain social order.

Emilie Durkheim: A Sociological Pioneer and His Enduring Influence

Introduction

Émile Durkheim, a French sociologist and professor of sociology at the University of Bordeaux, stands as a towering figure in the field of sociology. His contributions to the study of social order, social cohesion, and social change have left an indelible mark on the discipline and continue to influence sociological thought today.

Intellectual Lineage and Biography

Born in Épinal, France, in 1858, Durkheim was deeply influenced by the French Enlightenment and the positivist philosophy of Auguste Comte. He pursued higher education at the École Normale Supérieure, where he studied philosophy and philology. His doctoral dissertation, "De la division du travail social" (The Division of Labor in Society), published in 1893, established him as a leading figure in French sociology.