Durkheim's Cultural Logic of Collective Representation

Flashcards covering key concepts from Durkheim's lecture on the cultural logic of collective representation.

Functionalism

A sociological perspective that emphasizes how society is structured and develops, comparing it to a human body with different organs performing various functions.

Collective Conscience

Shared beliefs and sentiments that define a society; the collective conception of what is considered good, desirable, and proper.

Cultural Universal

A practice or concept that is found in every culture, such as religion according to Durkheim.

Sacred vs. Profane

The fundamental distinction in Durkheim's theory where the sacred represents the ideal world and the profane represents the real world.

Norms

Established standards of society maintained by a group, dictating acceptable behavior.

Sanction

A penalty or reward for following a social norm, reinforcing societal expectations.

Ideal World

A concept defined by Durkheim as a world that is idealized and conceptualized, fundamental for forming a society.

Evolutionary Biology

A field upon which Durkheim based many of his ideas, referencing Charles Darwin's theory of human evolution and survival.

Religion

According to Durkheim, a cultural universal that is a source of collective representation and idea formation in societies.

Emile Durkheim

The founder of French academic sociology, known for his work on functionalism and the sociology of religion.