GABRIEL TARDE Meaning and
Definition
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Gabriel Tarde (1843-1904) was a prominent French sociologist and criminologist who made significant contributions to the fields of sociology and social psychology. He is best known for his theory of social interaction, often referred to as the "Tardean sociology," which focuses on the role of imitation and innovation in shaping social behavior.
Tarde argued that social life is driven by a process of imitation, wherein individuals observe and imitate the actions and beliefs of others. He suggested that this process of imitation not only holds society together but also plays a crucial role in the formation of social norms and cultural values. According to Tarde, imitation occurs both consciously and unconsciously, and it is through this mechanism that individuals acquire their behavior and beliefs.
In addition to imitation, Tarde also emphasized the role of innovation in social change. He believed that social progress occurs when individuals introduce new ideas or practices that are adopted by others through imitation. This process of innovation, imitation, and subsequent dissemination of ideas leads to societal transformation and evolution.
Tarde's work on social psychology and imitation had a profound influence on later sociologists, such as Emile Durkheim and George Herbert Mead, who further expanded on his ideas. Although he was often overshadowed by his contemporaries, Gabriel Tarde's contributions to the study of social interaction and behavior have had a lasting impact on the field of sociology.
