What is Emile Durkheim known for in sociology?

Emile Durkheim is recognized primarily for his theories about social behavior and the concept of anomie. He played a pivotal role in the development of sociology as a discipline, focusing on understanding how societal forces shape individual behavior and societal structure. Anomie, in particular, refers to a state of normlessness or breakdown of social norms, which Durkheim identified as a condition that could lead to higher rates of deviance and suicide in society. He emphasized the importance of social facts—norms, values, and structures—as elements that function to maintain social order and cohesion. Durkheim's contributions laid foundational ideas for later sociological thought, particularly regarding the relationship between society and the individual.

While the other options touch on significant figures and concepts in sociology, they do not align with Durkheim's primary contributions. For instance, symbolic interactionism is associated with other theorists like George Herbert Mead, and conflict theory was popularized by Karl Marx and later expanded by other scholars. Additionally, while Durkheim was instrumental in establishing the discipline, the claim of establishing the first sociological department is more directly tied to his efforts at the University of Bordeaux, rather than it being a singular defining characteristic of his work in sociology.