Émile Durkheim defined social facts as
A)census statistics.
B)having the remarkable property of existing outside the individual
C)fundamentally psychological.
D)things we know to be true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Durkheim believed that social facts are external to the individual and are capable of exerting a coercive force on individuals, shaping their beliefs, behaviors and values. They are not reducible to psychological or subjective phenomena, but rather are objective and observable in social structures, norms, customs, laws, and institutions. Census statistics may be a source of social facts, but they are not identical to social facts. Option C and D are incorrect, as Durkheim's definition of social facts is not based on individual psychology or subjective beliefs, nor are they necessarily things we know to be true (as some social facts may be hidden or misunderstood).

ÉMile Durkheim Defined Social Facts as