Final answer:
Durkheim posited that in order for individuals to be free, a balance is needed between social constraints and individual freedom, where societal norms and collective conscience play a significant role in maintaining social order and cohesion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Émile Durkheim, a foundational sociologist, believed in the intricate balance between societal constraints and individual freedoms. He argued for a balance between social constraints and individual freedom (Option B) to achieve personal liberty. Durkheim's theory posited that social facts, which include laws, morals, and cultural norms, exert control over individuals by creating a set of collective beliefs known as the collective conscience. This shared belief system is crucial in maintaining social order and giving individuals a sense of belonging and identity.
Durkheim also emphasized that social integration and social solidarity are vital for individuals to feel connected and supported within their communities. His concern was that with growing individualism and the complexity of modern societies, the cohesive bonds that held societies together were weakening, leading to a state of anomie, which can result in a breakdown of social norms and increased isolation among individuals.