The Elementary Forms of Religious Life

In 'The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life', Émile Durkheim examines the most primitive forms of religion, particularly totemism among Australian Aboriginal societies.

The book is divided into three main sections: the first introduces the subject and defines key terms such as 'sacred' and 'profane'; the second part delves into the beliefs associated with totemism, including the concept of 'mana' and the soul image; and the third part discusses ritual practices, including negative, positive, and atonement rites.

Durkheim's aim is to understand the essential and permanent aspects of human religiosity by studying these primitive forms, highlighting how religion serves to embody society and create categories of knowledge.