Which sociologist is associated with the study of social cohesion and its effects on society?

The association of Émile Durkheim with the study of social cohesion is well-founded in his pioneering work on the structure of society and the role that social ties play in maintaining social order. Durkheim emphasized the importance of social cohesion in his seminal work, "The Division of Labor in Society," where he explained how different forms of solidarity—mechanical and organic—shape the connections among individuals in society.

Mechanic solidarity arises in simpler, traditional societies where individuals perform similar tasks and share common beliefs, leading to a strong collective consciousness. On the other hand, organic solidarity develops in more complex, modern societies characterized by a division of labor, where people become more interdependent. Durkheim argued that social cohesion serves as a binding force that helps to regulate behavior and integrates individuals into the larger societal framework.

His research into social facts, including norms, values, and structure, illuminated how these elements contribute to social stability and collective life. A key aspect of Durkheim's study was the impact of social cohesion on addressing issues like suicide, where he found that variations in social integration levels lead to different suicide rates among groups. Thus, his contributions significantly advanced the understanding of how social cohesion affects societal dynamics, making him a central figure in the study