Q : 1988 | Paper 1 | In what respects do you think Weber's conception of sociology differs from that of Durkheim? Which one of the two is more satisfactory? Substantiate your answer. 20

Q : 1988 | Paper 1 | In what respects do you think Weber's conception of sociology differs from that of Durkheim? Which one of the two is more satisfactory? Substantiate your answer. 20

Max Weber and Emile Durkheim are two founding figures of sociology, yet their approaches differ sharply. Durkheim emphasized the objective study of social facts, whereas Weber focused on subjective understanding of social action. These divergent perspectives shaped two distinct traditions in sociology — positivism and interpretivism.

Durkheim’s Conception of Sociology

• Durkheim viewed sociology as a science of social facts— things external to and coercive over individuals.
• His approach was positivist, modeled on natural sciences.
• He aimed to explain social phenomena through causal relationships between social facts.
• Sociology should study social facts, not individual consciousness.
• Social phenomena are objective realities independent of individuals.
• Emphasis on statistical and comparative methods (e.g., Suicide, 1897).
• Goal: To discover laws of social behavior for maintaining social order.

Weber’s Conception of Sociology

• Weber defined sociology as a science that seeks to interpret the meaning of social action and thereby explain its course and effects.
• He emphasized Verstehen (interpretive understanding) — grasping subjective meanings individuals attach to their actions.
• Sociology is about understanding (Verstehen) and interpretation, not mere observation.
• Social reality is built through meaningful actions of individuals.
• Advocated Ideal Types as analytical tools for comparison (e.g., Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism).Emphasis on values, motives, and rationality rather than external causes.

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Differences in the Conceptions of Weber and Durkheim

1. Agency vs Structure: Weber centres on individual action and subjective meaning (Verstehen), whereas Durkheim stresses social structures, norms, and institutions shaping collective behaviour.
2. Interpretivism vs Positivism: Weber adopts an interpretive approach, understanding motives and meanings; Durkheim uses a positivist, scientific method, analysing social facts through observation and statistics.
3. Conceptual Tools: Weber employs “Ideal Types” for comparative understanding; Durkheim relies on “Social Facts” to explain how society constrains individuals.
4. View of Social Order: Durkheim attributes order to collective conscience and shared values; Weber highlights rational-legal authority and bureaucracy as organizing principles.
5. Role of Religion: For Durkheim, religion integrates society (Elementary Forms of Religious Life); for Weber, religion drives social change (Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism)

Durkheim and Weber represent two complementary poles — the objective social structure and the subjective social actor. While Durkheim provides sociology as its scientific foundation, Weber gives it interpretive depth. A synthesis of both perspectives offers the most comprehensive understanding of social reality.

 

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