Durkheim

Émile Durkheim was a French sociologist known for establishing sociology as a formal discipline. He focused on how social structures influence individual behavior and emphasized the importance of social cohesion in maintaining societal stability. Durkheim studied phenomena like suicide, demonstrating that social factors, rather than just individual circumstances, significantly impact personal choices. He introduced concepts like "anomie," referring to a breakdown of social norms in times of upheaval. His work laid the foundation for understanding the relationship between society and the individual, highlighting that collective values shape our lives and actions.