Understanding Emile Durkheim's 'Homo Duplex' Concept

The question asks us to identify the sociologist who described human beings as 'Homo duplex'. This term signifies a dual nature within individuals, encompassing both their basic, biological self and their socially constructed self.

Analyzing the 'Homo Duplex' Idea

The quote highlights this duality:

• Physical Self: Described as 'body, desire and appetite'. This refers to the individual's inherent biological drives and physical needs.
• Socialized Personality: This is the aspect shaped by society, norms, values, and interactions. It represents how individuals adapt and behave within a social context.

Identifying the Sociologist

The sociologist most famously associated with the concept of 'Homo duplex' is Emile Durkheim. Durkheim argued that humans are fundamentally divided beings. He believed that while individuals possess a natural, biological side driven by instincts and self-interest, they are simultaneously creatures shaped profoundly by society. Society imposes its moral codes, beliefs, and ways of thinking, creating a 'socialized personality' that often conflicts with or regulates the individual's natural desires.

Durkheim explored this duality in his works, emphasizing how social forces mold individuals and contribute to social order. He saw the tension between the individual and society as a central theme in understanding social life.

Evaluating Other Options

Let's briefly consider why the other options are less fitting:

• Talcott Parsons: Known for his work on social systems theory and the AGIL schema, focusing on societal functions rather than this specific duality concept.
• Robert K. Merton: Famous for his theories on social structure, anomie, and deviance, including the concepts of manifest and latent functions. While he discussed individual adaptation, the 'Homo duplex' idea isn't his primary contribution.
• Malinowski: An anthropologist known for his functionalist approach and fieldwork, particularly in the Trobriand Islands. His focus was more on the practical functions of social institutions.

Conclusion

Based on the concept of 'Homo duplex' representing the division between the individual's physical/desiring self and their socialized personality, the description strongly aligns with the sociological perspective of Emile Durkheim.