The Contributions of Emile Durkheim

Sociology is the study of the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how individuals interact within these environments. Sociology at one time was not a respectable or well-known field of study until Emile Durkheim, a college professor, made sociology a part of the French college curriculum. Durkheim is regarded as one of the founders of sociology. He introduced sociology as a branch of learning separate from other sciences by declaring that sociologists must examine specific characteristics of group life. In this paper, I plan to provide some insight into who Emile Durkheim was and his contributions to the field of sociology.

Emile Durkheim was born on April 13, 1958, in the eastern city of Epinal, in the section of the Vosges. He was born into a Jewish family of very humble means, and it was assumed that he would become a rabbi, like his father. As early as his late teens Durkheim became convinced that struggle and even sadness are more favorable to the spiritual development of a human being than happiness or bliss. He developed into a seriously disciplined young man. He attended College d’ Epinal and was awarded several honors and recognitions. After that he transferred to a French high school, The Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris. While going there he primed himself for the examination that would later open doors to the influential Ecole Normale Superieure, a postgraduate traditional training establishment for the cream of the crop of Paris (Wolff, 1960).

Durkheim was enrolled in Ecole Normale Superieure in 1879. He discovered independence, financial security, and the inspiring companionship of exceptional, enthusiastic young scholars. He loved the talk of ideas, and his genuineness earned him admiration, but h...

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...ere was a high percentage of anomic suicide among those who are rich in addition to divorced people. An abrupt transformation in the routine of living or the collapse of a marriage throws life off balance and places traditions in an instability. Similar to economic anomie, domestic anomie caused by the passing away of a spouse is also the effect of a damage that causes disruption to the stability of life.

Fatalistic suicide is the total opposite of altruistic suicide. Fatalistic suicide takes place when there is excessive regulation. Durkheim takes into account, the likelihood that "persons with futures pitilessly blocked and passions violently choked by oppressive discipline" may not see any way out. The person sees no potential way in which their lives can be better, and when in a condition of depression, may have a propensity for committing fatalistic suicide.