Sociology: Emile Durkheim's Theory

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Questions and Answers

What was Durkheim's goal for establishing sociology?

To create a new social movement

To criticize the current social structure

To establish sociology as a science (correct)

To study sociology as a form of art

What did Durkheim compare society to?

A natural disaster

A machine

A living organism (correct)

A computer program

What term did Durkheim use to describe social cohesion based on cooperation and consensus on values and customs?

Anomie

Mechanical solidarity

Social constraint

Organic solidarity (correct)

According to Durkheim, what is the result of rapid social change and a breakdown of traditional moral standards?

Anomie Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of societal evolution did Durkheim note as key?

The division of labor Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim's study of suicide demonstrate?

How social factors influence suicidal behavior Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim advocate for when studying social facts?

Studying social facts as things Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim view as exerting constraints over individual actions?

Social structure Signup and view all the answers

According to Durkheim, what is anomie?

A breakdown of social norms and values Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Marx's Materialist Conception of History?

Economic factors as the fundamental basis of human societies Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of capitalism according to Marx?

Private ownership of wealth and means of production Signup and view all the answers

What is the predicted future vision of Marx beyond capitalism?

A more egalitarian society with communal ownership Signup and view all the answers

What is the inherent class conflict in capitalism according to Marx?

Between the ruling class and the working class Signup and view all the answers

What is the contrast between Marx and Durkheim?

Marx focused on economic factors, while Durkheim focused on morality and culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Karl Marx's theory?

Materialist Conception of History Signup and view all the answers

Where did Karl Marx live in exile?

Britain Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim observe in suicide rates?

Consistent patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Durkheim's book 'The Elementary Forms of Religious Life'?

The role of religion in maintaining moral order Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the 'Sacred' in Durkheim's theory?

Elements of life that are set apart and revered Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'Sacred' in society?

To unite individuals into a moral community Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Collective Effervescence'?

The intense energy and shared sense of unity experienced by individuals in a group Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary context in which Collective Effervescence occurs?

In religious or communal events Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the exercise 'Durkheim's Vision of the Social'?

To identify examples of Collective Effervescence Signup and view all the answers

What is the key concept that distinguishes the 'Sacred' from the 'Profane'?

Their level of reverence and respect Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emile Durkheim

Advocated for establishing sociology as a science, emphasizing methodological principles for research
Introduced the concept of social facts, which are aspects of social life that influence individual actions, such as the economy or religion
Advocated for studying social facts as "things," treating social life with the same rigor as natural objects

Compared society to a living organism with specialized parts (institutions) that contribute to the whole
Introduced the term "organic solidarity," denoting social cohesion based on cooperation and consensus on values and customs
Argued that societies exert constraints over individual actions, viewing social structure as external and constraining

Division of Labor and Anomie

Noted the division of labor as a key aspect of societal evolution, with increasing specialization and interdependence
Described anomie as a state where social norms lose their hold on individual behavior, linked to rapid social change and a breakdown of traditional moral standards

Suicide

Studied suicide, demonstrating how social factors influence suicidal behavior, rather than just personal ones
Observed consistent patterns in suicide rates, explaining them sociologically

Profane vs. Sacred

Distinguished between the sacred and the profane, with the sacred encompassing elements of life set apart, revered, and considered awe-inspiring or transcendent
The profane relates to ordinary, mundane aspects of life, lacking reverence or special status

Collective Effervescence

Introduced the concept of collective effervescence, referring to the intense energy, excitement, and shared sense of unity experienced by individuals in a group during rituals or communal events
Highlighted the importance of shared emotional experiences in maintaining and renewing social cohesion

Karl Marx

Materialist Conception of History

Focused on social changes during the Industrial Revolution, contrasting with Durkheim's emphasis on morality and culture
Viewed history as a series of class struggles, especially between the rich and the poor

Capitalism and Its Future

Defined capitalism as a system with private ownership of wealth and means of production, creating a class dichotomy between the ruling class and the working class
Predicted the replacement of capitalism by a more egalitarian society, envisioning communal ownership to reduce class divisions

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Description

Explore the life and work of Emile Durkheim, a pioneer in sociology, who sought to establish the field as a science and introduced the concept of social facts. Learn about his methodological principles for sociological research and how he viewed social facts as 'things'.