6.1 Establishing a New Science

Summary

Emile Durkheim, a prominent French sociologist, is renowned for his significant contributions to the field of sociology. His interest in education and religion, influenced by his father's rabbinical background, shaped his sociological inquiries. Durkheim's work, particularly on suicide rates, demonstrated the social dimensions of seemingly individual acts, advocating for sociology as a necessary discipline to understand modern societal issues. He played a pivotal role in establishing sociology as an academic discipline, creating the first sociological journal, and authoring foundational texts, thus institutionalizing and professionalizing the field.

Takeaways

• 📜 Emile Durkheim was a renowned French sociologist who worked around the year 1900 and was the son of a rabbi.
• 👨‍🏫 Durkheim had a strong interest in the functions of education for society, not just for individuals.
• 🏛️ Before becoming a sociologist, Durkheim was a professor of education, possibly influenced by his family's religious background.
• 🌟 His fascination with religion was lifelong and culminated in his final book on the sociology of religious life.
• 🔍 Durkheim's background, including his father being a rabbi, influenced his sociological interests in group formation and identity.
• 🤔 He was particularly interested in group cohesion and was aware of anti-semitism, which may have been a personal concern.
• 🏛️ Durkheim played a pivotal role in institutionalizing sociology as an academic discipline within universities.
• 📈 He focused on phenomena like suicide to demonstrate sociology's relevance and ability to address modern societal issues.
• 📚 Durkheim was instrumental in establishing sociology as a new science with its own theories, methodologies, and academic infrastructure.
• 🏆 He was the first European professor of sociology, created the first sociological journal, and wrote a foundational handbook on sociological method.

Q & A

Who is Emile Durkheim and what is his significance in sociology?

Emile Durkheim was a famous French sociologist who worked around the year 1900. He is significant for his sociological theories and for institutionalizing sociology as an academic discipline in universities.

What was Durkheim's initial academic role before becoming a sociologist?

Before his academic role expanded to sociology, Durkheim was a professor of education, showing his interest in didactic questions.

How did Durkheim's family background influence his sociological interests?

Durkheim's family background, particularly being the son of a rabbi, stimulated his sociological interest in group formation, group identity, moral consciousness of a collectivity, and group cohesion.

What was the focus of Durkheim's final book?

Durkheim's final book was entirely dedicated to the sociology of religious life, reflecting his lifelong fascination with religion.

How did Durkheim contribute to the establishment of sociology as an academic discipline?

Durkheim contributed by transforming sociology into an academic endeavor, creating the first sociological journal, writing a sociological handbook, and becoming the first European professor of sociology.

What was the attitude of other scientists towards the introduction of sociology as a new academic discipline during Durkheim's time?

Other scientists were skeptical about sociology as a new academic discipline, believing that the field of social phenomena was already covered by existing sciences like psychology and mathematics.

Why was Durkheim interested in the study of suicide?

Durkheim was interested in the study of suicide because he believed it demonstrated the need for sociology to understand social phenomena and the problems of modern society.

How did Durkheim use the topic of suicide to argue for the relevance of sociology?

Durkheim used suicide rates to show that it is a social phenomenon, and sociologists can predict and understand it at a societal level, thus highlighting the value of sociology.

What was Durkheim's approach to selecting topics for his sociological studies?

Durkheim chose topics that would demonstrate the value and relevance of sociology as a science capable of understanding and solving social problems typical of modernity.

What were some of the challenges Durkheim faced in institutionalizing sociology?

Durkheim faced challenges such as skepticism from other scientists and the need to present a sound theoretical argument to show the necessity of sociology as a new science for modern Western societies.

What are some of the key achievements of Durkheim in the field of sociology?

Durkheim's key achievements include being the first European professor of sociology, creating the first sociological journal, writing the sociological handbook 'The Rules of Sociological Method,' and contributing to the professionalization of sociology.