The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life: A Study in Religious Sociology - Paperback

by Emile Durkheim (Author), Joseph W. Swain (Translator)

The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life: A Study in Religious Sociology is a book written by the French sociologist Emile Durkheim. First published in 1912, the book is considered a classic in the field of sociology and anthropology. The book explores the origins and nature of religion, arguing that religion is a social phenomenon that serves to bind individuals together into a community. Durkheim argues that religion is not a purely individual experience, but rather a collective one that is shaped by social forces. He also argues that religion is not simply a matter of belief in supernatural beings or forces, but rather a set of practices and rituals that serve to reinforce social norms and values. The book is divided into two parts. The first part explores the nature of religion and the second part examines the religious beliefs and practices of the Australian aborigines, which Durkheim uses as a case study to illustrate his theories. Overall, The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life is a seminal work in the field of sociology and a must-read for anyone interested in the study of religion and society.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.