Page "Sociology of knowledge" Paragraph 4

Building on his early work with Mauss, Durkheim's definitive statement concerning the sociology of knowledge comes in his magnum opus The Elementary Forms of Religious Life.

This book has as its goal not only the elucidation of the social origins and function of religion, but also the social origins and impact of society on language and logical thought.

In it, Durkheim argues that religious beliefs require people to separate life into categories of the sacred and the profane, and that rites and rituals are necessary to mark the transition between these two spheres.

Here, Durkheim outlines how totemism within an Australian aboriginal religion is an example of how collective representations are enacted through religion.

A totem is a representation of the clan, which embodies all the characteristics of the group and around which rites and rituals take place.

It is through these rituals that religion is enacted and reinforced, creating a collective understanding of reality.