Among the common interpretations of Durkheim’s works that need to be rethought, there is also the issue regarding the epistemological collocation of his sociology and its relationship with other disciplines. Durkheim often adopted an offensive strategy by criticising the methodological and cognitive principles of the other disciplines or even claiming their subordination to sociology: a strategy that was considered by his contemporaries as a form of “sociological imperialism”. However, it is important to remember that the reality is more complex than it may seem. Durkheim’s own research, as well as the Durkheimians’ one, thrived on the dialogue with other disciplines, from law to economy, from anthropology to psychology and history of religion. Sociology gained not only facts and materials, but also concepts and models of explanations from these disciplines.
Reversing the Canon of Durkheim’s Sociology
GIOVANNI PAOLETTI
2022-01-01
Abstract
Among the common interpretations of Durkheim’s works that need to be rethought, there is also the issue regarding the epistemological collocation of his sociology and its relationship with other disciplines. Durkheim often adopted an offensive strategy by criticising the methodological and cognitive principles of the other disciplines or even claiming their subordination to sociology: a strategy that was considered by his contemporaries as a form of “sociological imperialism”. However, it is important to remember that the reality is more complex than it may seem. Durkheim’s own research, as well as the Durkheimians’ one, thrived on the dialogue with other disciplines, from law to economy, from anthropology to psychology and history of religion. Sociology gained not only facts and materials, but also concepts and models of explanations from these disciplines.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
