Macro · Structures & Institutions Stub 1912

Elementary Forms of Religious Life and Totemism

뒤르켐의 토테미즘과 종교생활의 원초적 형태

A foundational sociology and anthropology of religion framework demonstrating that religion is an eminency social phenomenon where collective effervescence deifies society itself through sacred totemic symbols.

Field Religious Studies · Sociology · Anthropology
Level of analysis Macro · Structures & Institutions
Paradigm Functionalism Structuralism
Key figures 👤 Émile Durkheim (에밀 뒤르켐)
Year 1912

Key Claims

Émile Durkheim analyzed Australian Aboriginal totemism to discover the social origins of religion. The sacred totem symbolizes both the divine and clan society. During intense rituals, ‘collective effervescence’ generates shared moral energy, reaffirming social solidarity and moral order.

Further Reading

  • Durkheim, É. (1912). Les formes élémentaires de la vie religieuse. Félix Alcan. (English: The Elementary Forms of Religious Life).

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