Sociology: Durkheim's Social Facts

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Questions and Answers

What did Durkheim think sociology should be the study of?

Social facts

What are social facts?

These are the social structures and cultural norms and values that are external to and coercive of individuals.

What is Durkheim's definition of social facts (Durkheim 1895:13)?

A social fact is every way of acting, fixed or not, capable of exercising on the individual an external constraint; or again, every way of acting which is general throughout a given society, while at the same time existing in its own right independent of its individual manifestations.

How could social facts also be described?

The role we are expected to adhere to within a society. Signup and view all the answers

When are individuals taught social facts?

They are taught these social facts from early on in life, and these expectations become part of their identity. Signup and view all the answers

What are social facts characterized by?

Externality - not decided by the individual; Constraint - boundaries holding them to play these roles rather than the individual striving for it. Signup and view all the answers

When studying social facts, how must they be treated?

They must be treated as things. Signup and view all the answers

Why must social facts be treated as things?

They must be observed and not philosophized to prevent them succumbing to prejudice and the distortion of our own preconceptions. Signup and view all the answers

What are material social facts?

Social facts that can be directly observed. Signup and view all the answers

What are non-material social facts?

Social facts that cannot be observed. Signup and view all the answers

What could we consider non-material social facts to be today?

Our norms and values or our culture. Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement 'Society is not a mere sum of individuals' imply?

The idea that society can only be understood through studying the interactions of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What are four examples of social facts?

Collective conscience Signup and view all the answers

Define morality.

The principle of right and wrong behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim believe that society needed?

A strong common morality. Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim theorize that society always desired?

Society always desires more - which we can seldom have. Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim think happened if society didn't limit us?

Individuals become slaves in the pursuit for 'more'. Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim think individuals needed in order to be free?

The individual needs morality and external control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the collective conscience according to Durkheim?

The totality of beliefs and sentiments common to average citizens of the same society forms a determinate system which has its own life; it can be realized only through them. Signup and view all the answers

What does collective conscience refer to?

The general structure of shared understanding, norms, and beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

The more shared beliefs you have, what happens?

The stronger the collective conscience. Signup and view all the answers

How can you study the collective conscience?

Using material social facts as it is too broad and amorphous to study directly. Signup and view all the answers

What term did Durkheim use instead of collective conscience?

Collective representations. Signup and view all the answers

What does collective representations refer to?

A collective concept and a social force, for example, religious symbols, myths etc. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't collective representations be reduced to individuals?

They emerge out of social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Why are collective representations easier to study?

They are connected to material symbols so sociologists can study their affinity. Signup and view all the answers

What does affinity mean?

How well something fits together (theoretically). Signup and view all the answers

Durkheim mainly gave examples of social currents linked to what?

Social organizations - i.e. the church. Signup and view all the answers

Those social facts that didn't link to social organizations were called what?

Social currents. Signup and view all the answers

What is a general summary of what a social current is?

People are swept away by social currents due to their coercive power over us, and we only become aware of it when we struggle against the common feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a social current?

The common feelings in a crowd at public gatherings. Signup and view all the answers

What example did Ramet (1991) look at in relation to social currents?

Looked at rock concerts and how the feelings of those who are alienated are affirmed and given a new political meaning when they meet others alike. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sociology is centered on the study of social facts, which are external forces influencing individuals.
Social facts encompass social structures, cultural norms, and values that shape behavior and expectations.

A social fact is defined as a manner of acting that imposes external constraints on individuals, existing independently of personal actions.
Characterized by two key features:
- Externality: Social facts are not determined by individual choices.
- Constraint: They impose limits on behavior rather than being sought after by individuals.
Social facts must be treated as objective entities to avoid biases and distortions in analysis.

Material social facts: Observable phenomena such as institutions or practices.
Non-material social facts: Intangible elements like culture, norms, and values, which are often difficult to observe directly.

Collective Conscience

Society encompasses more than just its individual members; understanding requires examining collective interactions.
Collective conscience consists of shared beliefs and values within society, forming a distinct system that transcends individuals.
A stronger collective conscience arises from greater shared beliefs and values among members of society.
Collective representations serve as symbols reflecting collective beliefs and societal norms, such as religious symbols and myths.

Morality is defined as principles governing right and wrong behavior, essential for societal coherence.
A strong common morality is vital for the functioning of society, helping manage individual desires for more, which can lead to detrimental pursuits if unchecked.

Social currents are non-organizational social facts affecting individuals collectively, often felt powerfully during shared experiences like public gatherings.
Individuals may become unaware of these currents unless they resist them, highlighting their coercive nature.

Research and Study Considerations

Investigating social facts requires a focus on material evidence, as abstract concepts like collective conscience are too broad for direct examination.
Sociological studies can explore the connections between collective representations and social life, enhancing understanding of societal dynamics.

Events like rock concerts can serve as examples of social currents, where feelings of alienation can be transformed into collective political meaning through shared experiences.

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Description

Test your understanding of Emile Durkheim's concept of social facts in sociology. This quiz covers the definition, characteristics, and significance of social facts as outlined by Durkheim. Ideal for students of sociology looking to deepen their knowledge of foundational theories.