French sociologist Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) was one of the founding fathers of the sociological discipline. He aimed to demonstrate that sociology was a subject distinct from psychology, as social groups and societies have an existence over and above the individual.  Stated simply, all humans are born into a society and much of their activity is shaped by the nature of the societies in which they live. Sociology can therefore concern itself with the study of society as a whole, as society has properties which transcend individual people. These societal properties, such as rules and laws, are external to individuals and constrain their behaviour. Modern societies are ... characterised by what Durkheim termed ‘organic solidarity’, which means that different elements of society fulfil functions that maintain the overarching social order. In conclusion, society is more than the sum of its parts.