What is a primary focus of study in sociology according to Emile Durkheim?

The primary focus of study in sociology, according to Emile Durkheim, is social facts, which refer to the norms, values, structures, and societal forces that exist outside the individual and influence behavior. Durkheim emphasized that these social facts are observable and measurable, allowing sociologists to study the collective patterns and trends that shape society. By analyzing social facts, Durkheim aimed to understand how they contribute to social order and cohesion, illustrating the importance of social context in understanding human behavior.

While exploring the inner workings of the mind, the effectiveness of government policies, or the role of religion in moral development are significant areas of inquiry in other fields or aspects of sociology, they do not represent Durkheim's foundational contributions. His pioneering work established the importance of external, collective phenomena that affect individuals and groups, highlighting the objective and empirical approach to studying society. This focus on measurable social interactions and their outcomes has become a cornerstone of sociological research.