Final answer:
Durkheim's definition of social facts is external forces that govern behavior, such as laws, values, and cultural rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emile Durkheim's definition of social facts is A. External, coercive forces that guide individuals' behavior. These include the laws, morals, values, religious beliefs, customs, fashions, rituals, and cultural rules that govern social life. Durkheim considered these forces to be powerful influencers on individual behavior and integral parts of social structure. They are seen as external to the individual and possess coercive power, as going against social facts can lead to ridicule or punishment. Durkheim's work shows that despite individual perceptions, social facts collectively exert a significant influence on societal function and individual actions.