David Émile Durkheim

David Émile Durkheim was a French sociologist, often regarded as one of the founders of sociology as a distinct academic discipline. He focused on how societies maintain their cohesion and order, studying social institutions like religion, education, and law. Durkheim introduced concepts such as "anomie," which describes a breakdown of social norms, and emphasized the importance of collective consciousness in shaping individual behavior. His work laid the groundwork for understanding social phenomena through empirical research and analysis, highlighting the interconnections between individual actions and larger societal forces.