The theories of Émile DurkheimÉmile Durkheim, also called "the father of sociology" (Thio, 2002), played an essential role in the establishment of theories based on “social facts” (Thio, 2002) He is best known for his vision of “social reality” (Thio, 2002) and its links with the functioning of a society. He is said to be a sociologist who played an important role in the development of “structural functionalism” (Thio, 2002) and sociology as a whole. His four major studies, or publications, secured his place in the history of the intellectual development of sociology (Thompson, 2002). The following content will discuss Durkheim's childhood, his studies, his journey through sociology, and his theories. Émile Durkheim was born in France in April 1858 (The Biography of Émile Durkheim, 2000). He was the fourth child and second son of Moise and Melanie Durkheim (The Biography of Emily Durkheim, 2000). Raised in a Jewish family, with many rabbis, including his father and grandfather, Durkheim was expected to also be a rabbi. Very early in his life, Durkheim “studied Hebrew, the Old Testament and the Talmud, while also following the regular course of traditional education in secular schools” (The Biography of Émile Durkheim, 2000). Durkheim participated in his “traditional Jewish confirmation” at the age of thirteen (Biography of Émile Durkheim, 2000). He later lost interest in his Jewish heritage and became interested in the ideas of the Catholic nation (otherwise known as Catholicism). Soon after, he disengaged from all religious involvement and became an agnostic (Thompson, 2002). He did not reject his inheritance; he just realized that he preferred to study religion from an agnostic or non-religious point of view...... middle of paper ......es that make us who we are. Sociological evidence helps us better understand how an individual conforms to a society as a whole. Emile Durkheim's journey through sociology was different from that of other sociologists in the sense that others rely on standard emotions or assumptions, while Durkheim's theories rely on facts, which he could physically see. . Durkheim began his studies of social facts as a child and became more involved as he grew up, proposing different, more complex ideas. Durkheim was a great philosopher, one of the best of his time. His concepts are still studied and used today. Works cited Thio, A. (2009). Sociology: A Brief Introduction (7th edition). Athens, OH: Allyn and Bacon The Biography of Emile Durkheim (2002). Retrieved from http://www.emile-durkheim.com Thompson, K. (2002). Emile Durkheim Key sociologist (1st revised edition). London