Abstract

This study of the Durkheimian school attempts to bridge the gap between so-called "external" and "internal" modes of analysis in the understanding of social-scientific thought. The Durkheimians' switch from the study of modern Europe to the study of primitives is considered from three angles. First, "internal," methodological and state-of-the-discipline factors are analyzed. Second, the relationship of this professional group to others in academe is described to add a further perspective on its needs and characteristics. Third, "external" factors such as contemporary ideology and political problem-solving goals of the group are examined to round out the character of the Durkheimians. The showing of the mutual interdependence and simultaneous significance of all these elements provides a greater measure of accuracy in the consideration of questions of this type