Comparisons over a Period of Time

The relevance of the consideration of time in social science research is brought into focus by Durkheim. Some individuals try to draw parallels between events happening simultaneously in other places. This practice does not sit well with Durkheim.

From his point of view, several civilizations can be at different degrees of development at the exact moment in time. It is impossible to draw comparisons between two different people’s stages of adolescence and adulthood. Therefore, at one point in history, Spain and Germany could not be compared to one another. People can offer other examples based on their experiences. People don’t judge a boy in elementary school based on the same standards as people do towards college students regarding their capabilities and potential.