Short Answer
Émile Durkheim emphasized studying social facts as things to make sociology a scientific discipline. He believed that social facts should be observed objectively, just like objects in natural science.
By treating social facts as things, sociologists can study them without personal bias. This helps in understanding society in a clear, systematic, and reliable way.
Detailed Explanation
Studying Social Facts as things
Émile Durkheim was one of the first sociologists who tried to make sociology a scientific subject. He believed that for sociology to be scientific, social facts must be studied in an objective and systematic way. For this reason, he suggested that social facts should be treated as “things.”
This idea does not mean that social facts are physical objects, but that they should be studied with the same seriousness and objectivity as physical things in natural sciences.
- To ensure Objectivity
Durkheim wanted sociology to be free from personal opinions and biases. When social facts are treated as things, they are studied based on observation and evidence, not personal beliefs.
For example, instead of judging a social custom as good or bad, a sociologist studies how and why it exists. This makes the study more accurate and scientific.
- To make Sociology Scientific
Durkheim believed that sociology should follow scientific methods like other sciences. By treating social facts as things, sociologists can observe, measure, and analyze them systematically.
This approach helps in developing clear and reliable knowledge about society. It also separates sociology from philosophy and common sense thinking.
- Social Facts exist outside Individuals
Durkheim emphasized that social facts exist independently of individuals. They are external forces that influence behavior.
For example, laws, traditions, and norms exist before a person is born. By treating them as things, sociologists can study them as separate from individual thoughts.
- To study Social Facts as Real Phenomena
Durkheim wanted sociologists to treat social facts as real phenomena that can be studied scientifically. This means focusing on observable aspects of society rather than abstract ideas.
For example, crime rates can be measured and analyzed as social facts. This helps in understanding patterns and causes of social behavior.
- To avoid Misinterpretation
If social facts are studied based on personal feelings, they may be misunderstood. Treating them as things helps avoid misinterpretation.
It ensures that sociologists rely on data and facts rather than assumptions. This leads to more accurate conclusions.
- To understand Social Control
Social facts have a controlling power over individuals. By studying them as things, sociologists can understand how they influence behavior.
For example, laws and norms control how people act in society. Studying them scientifically helps explain their role in maintaining order.
- To develop General Laws
Durkheim believed that by studying social facts scientifically, sociologists can discover general laws of society.
These laws help in understanding patterns of behavior and predicting social changes. This makes sociology more useful and practical.
- Importance in Sociological Research
Durkheim’s idea is very important in sociological research. It encourages researchers to collect data, observe behavior, and analyze facts carefully.
This approach improves the quality of research and helps in solving social problems.
Conclusion
Émile Durkheim emphasized studying social facts as things to make sociology scientific and objective. This approach helps in understanding society through observation and evidence. It avoids bias, improves accuracy, and allows sociologists to study social behavior in a systematic way.