In 'The Rules of Sociological Method,' Durkheim famously argued that social facts should be treated as 'things.' This means they should be studied as objective realities external to the individual, capable of being observed, measured, and analyzed using scientific methods, independent of individual psychological states.

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Durkheim defined social solidarity as the state of social cohesion and integration within a society. He argued that the nature of these bonds changes as societies evolve from mechanical solidarity (based on similarity) to organic solidarity (based on interdependence). This concept is central to his analysis of how individuals remain connected to the collective whole and how society maintains its structural integrity.

Durkheim defined anomie as a state of normlessness or deregulation that occurs when social change happens too rapidly. During transitions from traditional to modern societies, the old norms lose their effectiveness before new ones are established. This lack of clear social guidance leads to confusion, frustration, and a breakdown in the collective conscience, which Durkheim argued could result in various social pathologies.

Emile Durkheim posited that punishment is not merely a reaction to crime but a functional mechanism that reaffirms collective conscience. By punishing deviant acts, society publicly reinforces its shared values and moral boundaries, which in turn fosters social cohesion and stability.

Durkheim categorized egoistic suicide as resulting from a lack of social integration. When individuals feel detached from society or their social support systems—often occurring in cases of isolation or perceived burdensomeness due to illness—they may experience a diminished sense of belonging, leading to this classification.

Durkheim posited that the division of labour is the primary driver of social solidarity in modern society. By creating mutual dependence among individuals performing specialized tasks, the division of labour fosters a sense of unity and social integration, which he termed 'organic solidarity', replacing the simpler 'mechanical solidarity' found in traditional societies.

Durkheim identified mechanical solidarity as the form of social cohesion found in traditional, pre-industrial societies. It is based on the homogeneity of individuals, shared values, and common beliefs. Because members perform similar tasks and have similar experiences, they feel a strong sense of collective consciousness, which binds the society together through shared identity rather than specialized interdependence.

Durkheim argued that organic solidarity emerges in complex, modern societies where the division of labor creates interdependence. While this creates a functional bond, the shared collective consciousness is weaker compared to the mechanical solidarity found in traditional, homogeneous societies where individuals perform similar tasks.

While Auguste Comte coined the term 'sociology,' Émile Durkheim is widely recognized for establishing it as a formal academic discipline. He achieved this by creating the first European department of sociology at the University of Bordeaux and publishing 'The Rules of Sociological Method,' which provided a clear framework for empirical research, distinguishing sociology from philosophy and psychology.