Émile Durkheim (1858–1917) is considered one of the founding figures of modern sociology. In his seminal work The Division of Labour in Society (De la division du travail social, 1893), he examines how social order and cohesion are maintained in complex societies. His central thesis: while traditional societies are held
General Sociology
Key Works of Sociology
This section presents foundational texts and influential works of sociological theory – from classical thinkers like Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Émile Durkheim to contemporary voices such as Judith Butler, Zygmunt Bauman, and Andreas Reckwitz. The selection focuses on those contributions that have shaped the discipline of sociology and remain
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels – The Communist Manifesto (1848)
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is one of the most influential political and social theory texts of modern times. Published in February 1848, it serves as a programmatic text, a theoretical foundation, and a political call to action all at once. With its concise analysis of
Ferdinand Tönnies – Community and Society (1887)
Ferdinand Tönnies’ work “Community and Society” (1887) is considered one of the earliest and most important key texts in sociology. In this work, Tönnies introduces the fundamental distinction between two forms of social life: the traditionally rooted, emotionally bound community and the rationally calculated, purpose-driven society. This differentiation continues to
