Which sociologist is known for his study of the division of labor in society?

Emile Durkheim is renowned for his extensive study on the division of labor in society, particularly detailed in his seminal work "The Division of Labor in Society," published in 1893. In this work, Durkheim explores how the division of labor contributes to social order and cohesion. He argues that as societies evolve from traditional to modern forms, the nature of the division of labor changes, moving from a mechanical solidarity, where individuals are bound by similarities, to an organic solidarity, where individuals are interdependent due to their specialized roles.

Durkheim's analysis highlights how the division of labor is not only a means of production but also a crucial aspect of social solidarity. He connects the organization of work to broader social factors, emphasizing the importance of collective consciousness and the mutual dependence created by specialized roles. This perspective laid the groundwork for understanding how modern societies function and the implications of social integration and regulation.

While Auguste Comte is known as the father of sociology and focused on positivism, and both Max Weber and Karl Marx explored themes related to social structures and class, it is Durkheim’s specific examination of labor that established this key concept in sociology.