Durkheim

The writings of Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) have exerted an extraordinary influence over the development of modern social thought to the extent that he is generally considered to be the founder of modern sociology. His conception of social science has infused a variety of disciplines including sociology, anthropology, political economy, archaeology and linguistics. In France his ideas contributed to the rise of ‘structuralism’, while in the English speaking world – his influence is particularly strong in America – he is regarded as the principal originator of ‘functionalism’.Durkheim’s writings have always aroused controversy. Anthony Giddens’ clear, comprehensive analysis of the development of his ideas is therefore especially welcome. He shows that Durkheim’s work is unified by a consistent concern with central themes, while pointing to some of its basic weakness.“Anthony Giddens summarises with marvellous compression and judgement Durkheim’s closely contested ideas on the division of labour, sociological method and its application to the study of suicide, the state and politics, moral authority and education, religion and the theory of knowledge.”C.G.A. BRYANT, 'British Book News' Durkheim is generally considered to be the main founder of modern sociology. In France his ideas contributed to the rise of "structuralism", while in the English-speaking world he is regarded as the originator of "functionalism". This is comprehensive analysis of the development of his ideas.