Emile Durkheim is best known as the founding figure in the field of sociology since he was the architect of modern social science. Durkheim was born on April 1858 from a long line of devout French Jews. However, at an early stage, he decided not to follow in his family’s footsteps of being indoctrinated and instead, preferred to study religion from an agnostic standpoint. I chose Durkheim because he is important to the field of sociology, as through his research, he created the functionalist perspective that’s widely applied to the study of sociological phenomena. In essence, his work focused on how to maintain order and stability and order in society, an aspect that remains relevant to sociologists today. When I began investigating Durkheim, I had assumed that since he was interested in the social sciences, right from an early stage, he had pursued this field in France in the same way as most other founding fathers of sociology, such Auguste Comte had. I also had assumed that sociology, which he is most renowned for, was his only area of study.
After having read books and articles about Emile Durkheim, I have gathered adequate information that outlines his life and works. My readings include, Emile Durkheim by Ken Thompson (2002), Durkheim, Morals, and Modernity by Watts Miller (2016) and Emile Durkheim: Sociologist and Moralist by Friedell Montana (1994). What was most appealing to me about Durkheim revolves around the fact that, he had conflicts with the French academic system because it had no social science curriculum. Moreover, he first graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1882, around whose instruction he majored up until 1885, when he left to study sociology in Germany. This is appealing to me because, even though he did not get an opportunity to study sociology at an early stage, Durkheim did not give up on his dreams to do the same, which he pursued later on in life (Henslin, 2014). As a result, he was able to increase the importance and recognition of the social sciences through publications and numerous articles.
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What was surprising for me to find out about Durkheim is that even though he was born in a family of the rabbinate, he decided not to these footsteps at an early age. Durkheim’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had all been rabbis. As such, he appeared destined for the same path where even his early education was spent in a rabbinical school. However, he switched schools later to pursue his interests in ethics and sociology. For many young people, it’s hard to have an ambition at an early stage, and as such, many are guided by their parents, if not following in their footsteps. This is not the case with Durkheim as he seems to know what he wants at an early age and is willing to go against the family tradition to pursue a different career. Even when there were no social science studies at the time, he did not give up as he eventually studied sociology in a different country. His courage and determination led to the rise of social sciences, bringing reforms even to the French school system by introducing social science in its curriculum.
Durkheim’s goal was to study religion as a social phenomenon, dedicating most of his work to demonstrate that religious phenomena stemmed from social and not divine factors. Moreover, Durkheim sought to establish sociology as a science and as an academic discipline, especially in France since it was not offered in their education system. According to him, sociology would help understand a culture and what holds people in a society together and what divides it so as to deal with such issues. Essentially, Durkheim argued that religion, law, education among other forces affected social integration in society (Henslin, 2014). In addition, they enabled a community to maintain their integrity and coherence when things such as ethnic background could no longer be assumed. As a result, Durkheim authored most statements on what sociology is and how it should be practiced. The largest and most lasting legacies Durkheim made was establishing sociology as an independent academic discipline that is recognized as a science.
After completing his sociology studies in Germany, Durkheim went back to France to become the first sociology professor. Also, he made reforms in the French academic system by introducing social science in the curriculum. Moreover, he made many publications such as The Division of Labor in Society in 1893, The Rules of Sociological Method in 1895. This enhanced achievement of his goals and helped him attain a prominent position in Paris where he became the chair of education. Durkheim also served as an advisor in the Ministry of Education, a position that enabled him to foster the significance of sociology in our lives. Today, Durkheim’s work remain relevant and useful to sociologists in the midst of societal change (Henslin, 2014). For instance, Durkheim’s legacy explains why protests (disrupting everyday routines and norms) is an important way of raising awareness of issues in society.
My assumptions about Durkheim were false as he had to pursue philosophy and psychology first before pursuing sociology later in his career. Also, during that time, the French academic system did not include social science in their curriculum, an aspect that forced Durkheim to pursue his studies in a different country, Germany, and not in France as I had initially believed. However, he later brought reforms by introducing the field of sociology to the French system and becoming the first professor of sociology there. This investigation enlightened and educated me with regards to the origin and development of sociology as a social science and an independent academic discipline. I would like to learn more about the challenges Durkheim faced in his quest to establish sociology as it will serve as an inspiration and a motivator towards achieving my goals and dreams in life.
References
Henslin, J. M. (2014). Essentials of sociology: A down-to-earth approach. 11 th Ed. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
