Sociology+and+Social+Facts

SIS 705 Notes: Emile Durkheim - Sociology and Social Facts (1897) Lemert pp. 78 – 81 (4th edition) Although Durkheim favors sociological studies that are limited in scope (i.e. suicide), he still sees the possibility of drawing broader inferences. He believes that his study of suicide and modernity has allowed for inferences on “a certain number of propositions concerning marriage, widowhood, family life, religious society, etc.” (80) The second half of Durkheim's piece deals with the notion of social facts and the sociological method. Durkheim is a proponent of the notion that a reality exists external of the individual. This reality includes social facts, which are the subject of sociology. Durkheim rejects the notion that psychology can explain society, as it makes observations only of the internal mental state of the individual. For Durkheim, while psychological insights may be helpful in some cases, they are insufficient in explaining society. Individuals are part of a larger society, which serves as a “collective reality.” (81) This collective reality can be observed objectively in accordance with the scientific method and sometimes even numerically expressed because “it deals with realities as definite and substantial as those of the psychologist or biologist.” (81) Another point of debate is Durkheim's assertion that broader inferences can be drawn from work that is limited in scope. What are the advantages and drawbacks to these types of inferences?
 * Themes:** Durkheim's Sociology and Social Facts has two central themes: (1) that sociology as a discipline must avoid broad, generalized studies in favor of research bounded by set limitations; and, (2) that sociology requires the acceptance the existence of a “society” that cannot simply be reduced to psychology or biology.
 * Synopsis:** Durkheim begins his work by critiquing the trend in sociology of choosing to examine broad, wide-ranging topics. Durkheim sees this as detrimental to the field, as these types of studies do not allow for anything objective to be achieved. Rather than proving a hypothesis, these studies only provide “the occasional citation of some favorable examples illustrative of the hypothesis considered...” But, as Durkheim states, “an illustration is not proof.” (79) The risk of these unscientific studies is to put the entire discipline of sociology into disrepute.
 * Discussion Points:** It is interesting to read Durkheim's defense of a scientific approach to sociology in the context of the contemporary methodological debates.
 * What would Durkheim think of KKV?
 * Would he prefer Professor Rudolph or Professor Jackson's class?
 * If we had to pidgin-hole Durkheim, what would we call him? (Positivist, empiricist...)
 * Over the past 100+ years, has sociological study continued in a manner that would please Durkheim?

TATIANA'S SUMMARY: Major Question: What are the limitations methodologically and logically of the science of sociology? · Durkheim argues that it should be given some leeway in reference to its errors as long as adjustments are made to avoid them in the future. · Sociology represents the space between biology and psychology (the physical world and the world of individual needs). · Argues that the field of sociology needs more rigorous methods as opposed to what’s employed. · The usefulness of “new” sciences is their eventual refinement of ways to address complex questions thought they may not (initially at least) be able to get answers to the question · “Works of pure sociology are accordingly of little use to whomever insists on treating only definite questions, for most of them belong to no particular branch of research and in addition lack really authoritative documentation.” (79). Similarly, sociological works relying on generalizations have difficulty of employing proofs but instead rely on citations that support the generalizations made. Implications for scientific inquiry in general: · Reflects the values of objective studies · Should sociology lose its credibility, Durkheim would see it as a setback, as the realm sociology explores is believed to be markedly different from those which psychology or biology might cover. · Sociology becomes useful if researchers states clearly its objectives, focuses on concepts that are definable, much like is expected from more traditional methodologies.