Emile Durkheim and the Creation of Functionalism: Timeline

Emile Durkheim, a prominent French sociologist, made significant contributions to the field of sociology during his lifetime from 1858 to 1917. As one of the founding fathers of sociology, Durkheim’s ideas and theories have had a lasting impact on the discipline. This article aims to delve into Durkheim’s creation of functionalism and its importance in understanding society.

Emile Durkheim

Emile Durkheim was a renowned French sociologist who played a pivotal role in shaping the field of sociology. Born in 1858 and passing away in 1917, Durkheim’s work laid the foundation for many sociological theories and perspectives that followed. His studies focused on understanding how society functions and the factors that contribute to social order and stability. Durkheim’s contributions to sociology have left an indelible mark on the discipline and continue to influence sociological thought to this day.

Functionalism

Functionalism is a sociological perspective that was developed by Emile Durkheim and other sociologists. It views society as a complex system composed of interrelated parts, each serving a specific function. According to functionalism, these parts work together to maintain the overall stability and balance of society. Functionalists analyze the functions and dysfunctions of various social institutions and examine how they contribute to the overall functioning of society.

Functionalism emphasizes the interconnectedness of social phenomena and the interdependence of different social institutions. It posits that each part of society contributes to its stability and survival. For example, functionalists might study how education, family, religion, and the economy all work together to maintain social order and cohesion.

Collective Conscience

Durkheim introduced the concept of the “collective conscience,” which refers to the shared beliefs, morals, and attitudes that are characteristic of a particular society. The collective conscience represents the common values and norms that bind individuals together and shape their behavior. It provides a sense of social order and cohesion by promoting a shared understanding of what is acceptable and unacceptable within a society.

The collective conscience plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and stability. It establishes a framework for social interactions and guides individuals’ actions, ensuring that they align with the prevailing moral and social norms. Durkheim argued that when individuals deviate from the collective conscience or when the collective conscience weakens, social problems and conflicts can arise.

Social Order and Stability

Durkheim was deeply interested in understanding social order and stability. He believed that social institutions and collective beliefs were essential for maintaining social cohesion. According to Durkheim, social institutions such as religion, education, and the legal system serve as mechanisms that regulate individual behavior and reinforce the collective conscience.

By studying the functions and roles of these social institutions, Durkheim sought to uncover the ways in which they contribute to social stability. He argued that when social institutions perform their functions effectively and when individuals adhere to shared values, social order is maintained. Durkheim’s perspective highlighted the importance of social cohesion in ensuring the well-being and functioning of society as a whole.

Social Facts

Durkheim introduced the concept of social facts, which are the external, collective forces that shape individual behavior and beliefs. Social facts include laws, morals, values, and cultural rules that exist independently of individual consciousness. Durkheim emphasized the study of social facts as a key focus of sociology, as they provide insights into the underlying structures and dynamics of society.

Studying social facts goes beyond examining individual behavior; it involves understanding the broader social forces that influence and constrain individual actions. Durkheim believed that by studying social facts, sociologists could gain a deeper understanding of societal patterns and processes.

Conclusion



Emile Durkheim’s contributions to sociology, particularly his creation of functionalism, have had a profound impact on our understanding of society. His emphasis on social order, collective conscience, and the interdependence of social institutions has provided valuable insights into the functioning and stability of societies. Durkheim’s ideas continue to shape sociological thought and remain relevant in contemporary sociological studies. By exploring Durkheim’s life and theories, we gain a deeper understanding of the foundational concepts that underpin the field of sociology.

Sources:

  • Lumen Learning. “Theoretical Perspectives on Society.” Introduction to Sociology. Link
  • Crossman, Ashley. “Functionalism – Sociology.” ThoughtCo. Link
  • Social Sci LibreTexts. “4.10: Structural-Functional Theory.” Link

FAQs

What is the significance of Emile Durkheim in sociology?

Emile Durkheim is considered one of the founding fathers of sociology. His contributions to the field have been instrumental in shaping sociological thought and methodology. Durkheim’s ideas and theories, including functionalism, continue to be influential in understanding social phenomena.

When did Emile Durkheim create functionalism?

Emile Durkheim developed functionalism as a sociological perspective in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His seminal work, “The Division of Labor in Society” published in 1893, outlined many of the key concepts and principles of functionalism.

What is functionalism in sociology?



Functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system composed of interrelated parts. It emphasizes the interdependence of various social institutions and their functions in maintaining social order and stability. Functionalists analyze how different parts of society work together to meet the needs of individuals and ensure the overall functioning of society.

How does functionalism view society?

Functionalism views society as a system in which each part performs a specific function to contribute to the overall stability and balance. It sees social institutions, such as education, family, religion, and the economy, as interdependent components that work together to maintain social cohesion and fulfill the needs of individuals and the society as a whole.

What is the collective conscience according to Emile Durkheim?

The collective conscience, a concept introduced by Emile Durkheim, refers to the shared beliefs, morals, and attitudes that are characteristic of a particular society. It represents the common values and norms that bind individuals together and shape their behavior. The collective conscience plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and cohesion.

What is the role of social institutions in maintaining social order according to Durkheim?

Durkheim believed that social institutions, such as religion, education, and the legal system, play a vital role in maintaining social order. These institutions provide the framework for regulating individual behavior and reinforcing the collective conscience. They contribute to stability and cohesion by promoting shared values and norms.

What are social facts in Durkheim’s sociological theory?



Social facts, as conceptualized by Durkheim, are the external, collective forces that shape individual behavior and beliefs. They include laws, morals, values, and cultural rules that exist independently of individual consciousness. Durkheim emphasized the study of social facts as a key focus of sociology to gain insights into societal patterns and structures.

What is the lasting influence of Emile Durkheim on sociology?

Emile Durkheim’s contributions to sociology, particularly functionalism, have had a lasting influence on the discipline. His ideas and theories continue to be influential in understanding social phenomena and analyzing the functioning and stability of societies. Durkheim’s emphasis on social order, collective conscience, and the interdependence of social institutions remains relevant in contemporary sociological studies.