3. Explain as to why and how Durkheim described social reality to the group, not to the individual.

Emile Durkheim , in his pursuit to make sociology a scientific discipline , argued that study of individual is the job of psychology whereas sociology must deal with study of society where individual is just a part.

He described social reality to group because he believed that society is sui-generis and it is over and above individual. Society is more than sum of all individuals part of it . He further says that individual takes birth in society and dies whereas society will remain forever.

The prominence given to group is well reflected in his study of suicide where he claims that the reason for suicide is societal than neurological or individual factors. He went on to analyse the suicide rates across society to substantiate his thesis.

Such explicit importance for society can be seen in his works like "The elementary forms of religious life " where he says that religion is nothing but society itself which contributes to the solidarity amond individuals.

Further , in his division of labour he argues that change in dynamic density and thereby moral density makes may for the emergence of organic solidarity in society.The interdependence on groups for various needs is what preserves order in society.

Thus , the themes which Durkheim dealt has been majorly focused on socity as its central standpoint. And through such works Durkheim was successful in carving a separate niche for sociology as a scientific discipline.