Questions and Answers
What is Durkheim's definition of a social fact?
Consists of manners of acting, thinking, and feeling; external to the individual which are invested with coercive power by virtue of which they exercise control over him.
What is a social current?
Other facts that do not present themselves in a crystallized form but possess the same objectivity and ascendancy over the individual.
How are social facts different or similar to social currents?
A social current is strong but short-lived, while a social fact is more secure through time and change.
What is the domain of sociology?
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"[Collective phenomenon] is in each part because it is in the whole, but far from being in the whole because it is in the parts." Explain how this relates to social facts.
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Study Notes
Definition of Social Fact
- Social facts are external manners of acting, thinking, and feeling that exert control over individuals through coercive power.
- They represent distinct phenomena, separate from organic or physical phenomena, thus requiring their unique classification as social.
- These facts are characterized by their generality within society and the external constraints they impose on individuals.
- Identifiable through their coercive influence on individual behavior, they embody collective ways of acting, regardless of individual variations.
Social Current Explained
- Social currents are transient phenomena lacking a crystallized form, yet sharing objective influence over individuals.
- These currents manifest during public gatherings, where collective emotions can overwhelm individual consciousness.
- They can temporarily overshadow established social facts and require a population context for their description.
Comparison of Social Facts and Social Currents
- Social currents are typically intense but ephemeral, contrasted with social facts, which maintain stability over time.
- Both exert influence on individuals and can be reflected in legislation, illustrating their societal impact.
Domain of Sociology
- The domain of sociology is clearly defined, focusing on phenomena larger than individual experiences.
- Sociology studies social facts characterized by their coercive nature, emphasizing social pressures that guide behavior.
Collective Phenomenon and Social Facts
- The relationship between the collective and the individual indicates that general beliefs arise from collective phenomena but do not imply universal acceptance by all individuals.
- Collective obligations exist because of predominant beliefs, which may not be individually endorsed by everyone.
- Each individual experiences social facts inherited through collective socialization over generations, which may contribute to shared emotional experiences in group settings.
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Description
Explore the core concepts of Emile Durkheim's definition of social facts through flashcards. Understand how these facts shape individual behaviors, thoughts, and feelings and their unique role in sociology. This engaging tool will enhance your grasp of Durkheim's influential theories.
