SOC 3701 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Sui Generis, Social Fact, Totem
Document Summary
Format: 4-5 short answer questions, 2-4 multiple choice questions and an essay question, 75 minutes: durkheim"s life, intellectual context and main work (calhoun 195-199) Born in epinal (france) to a family of devout french jews, up to his great- grandfather had all been rabbis. Initially interested in psychology and philosophy, soon turned his attention to the study of morality and society, then sociology. Father of sociology established sociology as a discipline firm definition of the field and a scientific basis for its study. Durkheim"s mission: define the field of sociology and the scientific basis for its study. Identify the sources and nature of moral authority as an integrating force in society. Key theoretical contribution lies in his claim that social phenomena are sui generis realities that can only be explained by other social facts, they are prior to the experience of any particular person.
