About Book

This book marks a centenary celebration of Émile Durkheim's seminal work The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, examining the continued relevance of Durkheimian sociology in studying religion. The volume includes multiple case studies, applying Durkheim's theories to both contemporary and historical religious societies. It explores the resilience of his models, highlights areas where his ideas remain relevant, and asks how they can be adapted in the modern study of culture and religion. It offers a dialogue between theory and ethnography, showcasing how Durkheim's work remains central to social thought. Relevance to Current Era: The book underscores Durkheim’s importance in understanding religion’s role in shaping societies, which is still highly relevant in the context of modern global issues, including religious radicalization, social integration, and conflict resolution. This text adds value by offering a theoretical framework for analyzing religion and its impact on social structures, a perspective that remains critical in contemporary studies of culture, religion, and social cohesion.