Durkheim defined social facts as ways of acting, thinking, and feeling that are external to the individual and possess a coercive power. They exist independently of any single person's will and exert influence over individual behavior, serving as the primary subject matter for sociological study.

Egoistic suicide occurs when an individual feels detached from society due to low levels of social integration. When social bonds are weak, individuals lack the support and sense of belonging necessary to cope with life's challenges, leading to a sense of isolation and hopelessness.

While the question attributes the distinction to Emile Durkheim, Stanley Milgram is widely recognized in social psychology for his experimental work specifically distinguishing between conformity, where individuals align with group norms, and obedience, where individuals follow direct orders from an authority figure. Durkheim's work focused more broadly on social integration and collective conscience rather than the psychological mechanisms of obedience.

Durkheim defined religion as a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things. He emphasized the distinction between the sacred and the profane and the role of rituals in creating social solidarity. Notably, his definition is functionalist and does not require a belief in a deity, as he recognized non-theistic religions.

Durkheim argued that as societies become more complex, the division of labor increases. This specialization creates interdependence among individuals, as everyone relies on others to perform specific tasks, which serves as the 'glue' or organic solidarity that holds modern, diverse societies together.

Durkheim's study on suicide demonstrated that suicide is not merely an individual act but is influenced by social forces. He found that individuals with higher levels of social integration—those who are well-connected to their communities and social groups—have lower rates of suicide. Conversely, low social integration (egoistic suicide) or low social regulation (anomic suicide) increases the likelihood of suicide, proving that social cohesion acts as a protective factor.

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Organic solidarity, a term coined by Durkheim, describes the social cohesion found in complex, modern societies. Unlike mechanical solidarity, which relies on shared beliefs and similarities, organic solidarity is based on the interdependence of specialized roles, much like the organs of a living body working together.

Durkheim defined 'social facts' as values, cultural norms, and social structures that transcend the individual and can exercise social control. These facts are external to the individual, exist independently of any single person's will, and possess a coercive power that shapes human behavior, making them the primary subject matter of sociological study.

Mechanical solidarity, a concept developed by Émile Durkheim, refers to the social integration found in traditional, small-scale societies. It is based on shared values, beliefs, and lifestyles, where the collective consciousness is strong and individual differences are minimized to maintain social order.