Emile Durkheim (1858–1917)

An Introduction to Sociology SOCI 1306 Émile Durkheim (1858–1917) Émile Durkheim was a trailblazing sociologist whose contributions made a major impact on the formal academicization of sociology. A significant step towards the institutionalisation of sociology as a separate area of study was taken by him in 1895 when he established the first sociology department in Europe at the University of Bordeaux. Through his groundbreaking works like "Rules of the Sociological Method" (1895) and "Division of Labour in Society" (1893), Durkheim made significant scholarly contributions that served as a foundation for later sociological research and theory. The "Rules of the Sociological Method" by Durkheim provided a methodical and lucid framework for researching social phenomena. He proposed that sociologists should concentrate on "social facts," which he described as behavioural patterns that are external to the individual and have the power to coerce people within a community. Durkheim believed that these social truths might be objectively investigated, just as natural scientists investigate physical things. Durkheim attempted to set sociology apart from philosophy and psychology by highlighting the significance of objectivity and empirical inquiry, contending that sociology needed to be grounded on observable facts and strict methods. In his previous study, "Division of Labour in Society," Durkheim examined how societies developed from prehistoric to contemporary nations. The notions of mechanical and organic solidarity were presented by him to characterise the various types of social cohesiveness present in basic and complex civilizations, respectively. People in prehistoric communities are united by common traditions, values, and beliefs, which are typified by mechanical solidarity. Modern industrial societies, on the other hand, are typified by organic solidarity, in which social cohesiveness results from the interdependence of people in specialised tasks. According to Durkheim, this change was an inevitable and essential step in the evolution of society. According to him, the meritocratic idea is essential to the way contemporary, complicated societies operate and allows individuals to advance to their rightful positions in society. Durkheim's idea that sociologists could assess the state of a society was reinforced by his concept of social facts and his examination of the division of labour. He developed the terms "pathological" and "normal" states to characterise social circumstances. Durkheim defined a healthy society as one in which stability and well-integrated social norms are the norm. On the other hand, a pathological society is characterised by a collapse of social norms, which results in a range of social issues such as criminality, deviance, and anomie, which is a condition of normlessness in which people feel cut off from society's collective conscience. In order to promote a peaceful and coherent social order, sociologists could evaluate and solve social challenges through the prism of Durkheim's theoretical framework. The work "Suicide," which Durkheim published in 1897, is arguably the clearest example of his dedication to empirical inquiry. In this ground-breaking study, Durkheim looked into the societal factors that lead to suicide in an effort to show how applicable his sociological theories were. He carefully examined suicide data from several police districts, emphasising the distinctions between the Protestant and Catholic populations. According to Durkheim's research, Protestant societies had greater suicide rates than Catholic ones. He explained this disparity by pointing out that various religious organisations' levels of social integration and control varied. Because of their more rigid social structures and stronger sense of collective identity, Catholic societies offered more social support and regulation, which decreased the rate of suicide. On the other hand, because of their greater personal freedom and fewer social ties, Protestant societies that were more individualistic and less controlled had higher suicide rates. Durkheim showed that social phenomena, as opposed to individual or psychological elements, may be comprehended via the prism of social forces through his study of suicide. In order to prevent social pathologies, he emphasised the need of social cohesiveness and collective norms, and he maintained that social integration and regulation were important predictors of suicide rates. This study emphasised the significant influence of social structures on individual behaviour in addition to demonstrating the usefulness of Durkheim's sociological theories. The theoretical underpinnings and research methods of sociology have been significantly shaped by Durkheim's work, which continues to have an impact on the discipline. Future sociological research was paved by his emphasis on impartiality, empirical investigation, and the examination of social truths. The ideas of Durkheim on anomie, social integration, and mechanical and organic solidarity are still essential to sociological theory and investigation. Generations of sociologists have been motivated by his trailblazing efforts to establish sociology as an academic field to investigate the intricacies of social life and tackle urgent social challenges. Furthermore, Durkheim's contributions to other fields including political science, psychology, and anthropology go beyond sociology. Multidisciplinary research and theoretical growth have benefited from his insights into the nature of social cohesiveness, the function of religion in society, and the influence of social institutions on human behaviour. The relevance of Durkheim's work in current sociological discussions and his lasting effect on the larger social sciences are clear testaments to his legacy. To sum up, Émile Durkheim's attempts to create sociology as an official academic science had a significant influence on the development of the discipline. His devotion to empirical study, methodological advancements, and theoretical contributions have had a lasting impact on sociology. A strong foundation for comprehending the intricacies of social life was supplied by Durkheim's investigation of social realities, the division of labour, and the social reasons of suicide. In their pursuit to understand the fundamental causes of social phenomena and make a positive impact on society, sociologists are still motivated and guided by the work of this man. Durkheim's contributions to the social sciences have endured, as seen by his continued influence as a founding figure in sociology.