The author analyzes Durkheim's social theory from the standpoint of critical structuralism. She explores Durkheim's discussion of the relationship between the individual and society. She also addresses the question of Durkheim's understanding of the relationship between the subject and object of knowledge, and the relationship between truth and ideology.

Jennifer M. Lehmann is Professor of Sociology and Women's Studies at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Introduction; Part I Durkheim's social ontology; Chapter 1 The 'structure' of individuals; Chapter 2 The social determination of 'individuals'; Chapter 3 The 'individualism' of Durkheim; Part II Durkheim's (social) epistemology; Chapter 4 Ideology and truth; Chapter 5 Collective ideology; Chapter 6 Collective truth;