The great transformation: The Durkheimian sociology of religion from Émile Durkheim to Henri Hubert

Abstract

This article compares Durkheim's early sociological insights into religion with Hubert's sociological approach to religious phenomena. The goal is to shed light on the transformation that occurred in the Durkheimian sociology of religion during that period. First, it presents Durkheim's early sociological insights on religion (1886–1899) before the inception of the Année Sociologique. His approach during this period aimed to uncover the obligations behind religious acts and thoughts, viewing religion as a form of social discipline. Second, it explores the sociologie religieuse approach developed by Hubert (1902–1914) during the first series of the Année Sociologique, an approach that sought to understand the distinctiveness of religious action and ideas through sacred dramas. Finally, this article argues that Hubert's work prompted the great theoretical transformation within the Durkheimian sociology of religion from social discipline to sacred drama.