Final answer:
Emile Durkheim argued that all human experience could be divided into the sacred and the profane, terms central to his study of religion and societal function, which contribute to understanding collective consciousness and social norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Émile Durkheim, a French sociologist, argued that all human experience could be divided into two categories: the sacred and the profane. The distinction forms a central theme in Durkheim’s study of religion, where he defined religion as a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things.”
To Durkheim, sacred referred to those things that are extraordinary and inspire a sense of awe or wonder, often associated with the divine. Profane, on the other hand, refers to the realm of the routine or mundane aspects of life.
Durkheim’s concepts have had a profound influence on sociological research. For example, in his study of societal divides and social facts, Durkheim opined that as society grows more complex, there's a shift from mechanical to organic solidarity, indicating the way different parts of society functioned together. His work remains foundational in sociology, giving insight into how collective consciousness is formed and how social norms and values are upheld.