Durkheim's Sociology Definition

Emile Durkheim defined Sociology as the systematic study of collective representation. This definition emphasizes that society is more than the sum of its individual parts and that social life must be understood through shared beliefs, ideas, and sentiments held by groups.

Understanding Collective Representation

"Collective representations" are the shared ways of thinking, feeling, and acting that are common to the average members of a society. Durkheim argued these representations, often called social facts, exist externally to individuals and exert coercive power over them.

Key Sociologists and Their Focus

• Emile Durkheim: Focused on social facts, collective conscience, and the scientific study of social order. His definition highlights societal patterns over individual actions.
• Karl Marx: Primarily focused on class struggle, historical materialism, and the economic basis of society.
• Auguste Comte: Considered the "father of sociology," he emphasized positivism and the scientific method for studying society, aiming for social reform.
• Max Weber: Focused on verstehen (interpretive understanding), social action, bureaucracy, and the influence of ideas and values on social change.

Based on his emphasis on shared beliefs and social structures, Durkheim's definition of Sociology as the study of collective representation is distinct.