According to Durkheim, which of the following is NOT a social fact?
A A religious belief
B A religious belief, law, and custom are all social facts
C A custom
D A law
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is B: A religious belief, law, and custom are all social facts.
Explanation:
Emile Durkheim, a foundational figure in sociology, introduced the concept of social facts, which refers to the external forces that influence individuals within a society. According to Durkheim, social facts are aspects of social life that shape individual behavior and are distinct from personal or psychological factors. They exist outside of the individual, exerting a coercive influence on people’s actions and thoughts. Durkheim identified various categories of social facts, such as laws, customs, and religious beliefs, which have a collective existence.
Now, let’s break down the options:
- A. A religious belief: Religious beliefs can be considered social facts because they are collective, external, and exert a coercive influence on individuals within a society. Durkheim argued that religion, through shared beliefs and practices, plays a key role in social cohesion and maintaining collective consciousness. Thus, religious beliefs align with Durkheim’s concept of social facts.
- B. A religious belief, law, and custom are all social facts: This statement is incorrect because, according to Durkheim, while laws and customs are indeed social facts, a “religious belief” might not always fit this categorization in the same way. Religious beliefs are internalized and personal to the individual, though they are part of collective life. Durkheim made a distinction between collective norms and individual beliefs. Thus, not all religious beliefs can be considered social facts, especially when they are deeply personal or individual rather than collectively shared.
- C. A custom: Customs, which refer to habitual practices or social behaviors that are widespread within a society, are indeed social facts according to Durkheim. They are external, collective, and have the power to shape individual behavior. Examples of customs include social etiquette or moral codes.
- D. A law: Laws are prime examples of social facts. They are formalized norms that are established and enforced by society to regulate behavior. Laws are external, coercive, and influence individuals’ actions, making them clear social facts according to Durkheim.
In conclusion, religious beliefs may not always qualify as social facts in Durkheim’s view, particularly when they are more individualistic or not universally shared, hence option B is the correct answer.