Born in 1858 to Jewish family in Lorraine, initially studied rabbinical school. Entered École Normale Supérieure in 1879, studied under Fustel de Coulanges. Left for Germany in 1885 to study sociology at Marburg, Berlin and Leipzig
Durkheim established sociology as a distinct discipline in 1887. He conducted extensive research on European suicide rates. Found stable suicide rates across all countries. Discovered male, Protestant, and unmarried individuals were more likely to commit suicide
Society is composed of structures that function together. Society has its own structure distinct from individual behavior. Society influences individuals through norms and social facts. Society has reality above individual consciousness
Positivism advocates scientific study of society using empirical evidence. Sociology should follow natural science methods and be objective. Research should be detached from subjective feelings and values. Social facts exist outside individuals and constrain them
Society viewed as interconnected parts designed to meet individual needs. Herbert Spencer compared society to human body's organs. Social institutions include government, education, family, healthcare, religion, and economy
Durkheim established sociology as a respected social science. He developed the sociological method based on empirical evidence. His 1895 book "The Rules of Sociological Method" outlined his approach