Are we individuals? According to Emile Durkheim (1858-1917), “society has a strong influence on individuals who need to adapt to a fixed and already determined society” (Frazaneh, 2008, p. 1). Max Weber (1864-1920) on the On the other hand, “the response or reaction of the individual is a determining factor that constantly and systematically shapes and shapes society itself” (Frazaneh, 2008, p. 1 ). Émile Durkheim was a French sociologist, cited by some as the principal architect of modern social sciences. (Author unknown, 2002, para. 1) Durkheim asserts that members of society declare what an individual will say and do. In Durkheim's book "The Division of Labor", "he introduced the concept of anomie" (Author unknown, para. 2). Anomie is a state or condition of individuals or society characterized by a breakdown or absence of social norms and values. (Online Etymology Dictionary, n.d.) Durkheim argues that the sacred is a necessity for human existence, since humans are social animals and always have and will always need a deeper meaning and focus in their life. (Kleinburg, 2007, p. 1) Durkheim emphasized that people are the product of their social environments and that behavior cannot be fully understood in terms of individual, biological and psychological traits. (Kendall, 2010, p. 11) According to Durkheim, anomie is more likely to occur during a period of rapid social change. (Kendall, 2010, p. 12)Max Weber was a German sociologist and political economist best known for his ideas on bureaucracy and his profound influence on sociological theory. (Mitzman, 2011) Weber demonstrated that the comparative method was essential because the behavior of institutions in societies could not be understood in isolation...... middle of article...... accessed February 28 2011 in The Socialization Processes of Max Weber and Emile Durkheim: http://www.suite101.com/content/the-influence-of-society-on-the-individual-a70121Kendall, D. (2010). Sociology in our time: the essentials. Belmont: Wadswoth Cengage Learning. Kleinburg, A. (December 12, 2007). Literary analysis: The division of labor in society, by Emile Durkheim. Retrieved February 28, 2011 from Literature Review: The Division of Labor in Society by Emile Durkheim: http://www.helium.com/items/745492-literary-analysis-the-division-of-labor-in-society- by -emile-durkheimMitzman, A. (2011). Max Weber. Retrieved February 28, 2011, from Encyclopædia Britannica: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/638565/Max-WeberNewman, DM and O'Brien, J. (2010). Sociology exploring the architecture of everyday life readings. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press.