According to Durkheim, which of the following would be a social fact?
A) Weakness of character that leads consumers into debt
B) Individual consumer's cost-benefit analysis before a purchase
C) A social norm to buy birthday presents for friends and family
D) A shopping addiction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Durkheim defined social facts as collective ways of thinking, feeling, and acting that are external to individuals and constrain their behavior. A social norm such as buying birthday presents for friends and family is an example of a social fact because it is a shared aspect of culture that shapes individual behavior. Weakness of character or individual consumer behavior do not fit Durkheim's definition of social facts because they are internal to the individual and do not have the collective quality necessary to be considered a social fact. A shopping addiction may be influenced by social factors, but it is still primarily an individual psychological issue.

According to Durkheim, Which of the Following Would Be a Social