Émile Durkheim

Émile Durkheim was born to Moïse and Mélanie Durkheim in Épinal, France. His family was of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and his father was a rabbi, a tradition Durkheim initially followed.

Durkheim decides to pursue a secular education rather than becoming a rabbi. He attends a lycée in Épinal, where he excels academically and shows a strong interest in philosophy and social issues.

Durkheim is admitted to the prestigious École Normale Supérieure in Paris, a leading institution for advanced studies. Here, he studies philosophy and is influenced by the works of Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer.

Durkheim graduates from the École Normale Supérieure with a degree in philosophy. He begins to focus more on social science, which will later become his primary field of study.

Durkheim is appointed to teach at the University of Bordeaux, where he holds the first chair in social science in France. He teaches courses on social science and organization, laying the groundwork for his future research.

Durkheim publishes his first major work, 'The Division of Labor in Society,' which examines the ways in which social cohesion is maintained in modern societies through the division of labor.

Durkheim publishes 'The Rules of Sociological Method,' a foundational text that outlines the principles and methods of sociological research, emphasizing the importance of empirical data and objectivity.

Durkheim publishes 'Suicide,' a groundbreaking study that uses statistical analysis to explore the social causes of suicide, challenging the prevailing belief that suicide is a purely individual act.

Durkheim is appointed to a professorship at the Sorbonne in Paris, one of the most prestigious academic positions in France. Here, he continues his research and teaching, influencing a new generation of sociologists.

Durkheim's son, André, is killed in action during World War I. This personal tragedy deeply affects Durkheim, contributing to a decline in his health and morale.

Émile Durkheim dies in Paris, France, at the age of 59. His death marks the end of a pioneering career in sociology, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the field.