how does Emile Durkhein efind sociology? Explain the tenets of his concept of sociology
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Durkheim (M! not n!) focused on the methodology of Sociology and worked to define it as a legitimate, academic discipline. He conceptualized society as a balancing act and with how society is much like Goldilocks in that it is looking for "just the right" amount of "insert societal trait here" (justice, crime, babies, education, etc.). If society had too little or too much, it was thrown out of whack and often had numerous consequences. Durkheim is well-known for postulating that suicide was a consequence of a lack of social control in religious organizations.
Émile Durkheim is considered one of the founding fathers of sociology. He defined sociology as the scientific study of social facts and social forces that shape individual behavior and society as a whole. To understand the tenets of Durkheim's concept of sociology, we need to explore some of his key ideas.
1. Social Fact: Durkheim emphasized the importance of social facts, which he defined as external and objective phenomena that exist independently of individual consciousness. This includes social norms, values, beliefs, laws, institutions, and collective representations. Studying these social facts allows us to understand the underlying forces that shape and regulate human behavior.
2. Collective Consciousness: Durkheim believed that individuals are influenced by the collective consciousness, which refers to the shared beliefs, values, and moral attitudes of a society. This collective consciousness creates a sense of cohesion and solidarity among individuals within a social group, facilitating social integration.
3. Social Integration/Anomie: Durkheim explored the concept of social integration, or the degree to which individuals are connected to their social groups and society. He argued that strong social integration is essential for maintaining social order and preventing deviant behavior. Conversely, when social integration weakens, individuals experience a state of anomie, where social norms and values become unclear or are no longer present, leading to social instability and increased rates of deviance.
4. Mechanical and Organic Solidarity: Durkheim distinguished between two types of social solidarity. Mechanical solidarity, found in traditional pre-industrial societies, is based on the shared likeness and similarity among individuals. In contrast, organic solidarity emerged in modern industrial societies, where individuals are interdependent, each with specialized roles and functions. This form of solidarity is based on the mutual dependence and division of labor required in complex societies.
5. Social Control: Durkheim emphasized the role of social control in maintaining social order. He argued that society uses various mechanisms, such as moral rules, laws, and social sanctions, to regulate individual behavior. These mechanisms serve to reinforce social norms and ensure collective conformity.
By studying these tenets and exploring social facts, collective consciousness, social integration, solidarity, and social control, Durkheim aimed to establish sociology as a scientific discipline that reveals the underlying forces and structures that shape human societies.