Srushti Jayant Deshmukh: Sociology I answer copy

In his seminal work 'Elementary forms of religious life' Emile Durkheim elaborated on the primitive form of religion referred as Totemism. He argued that humans divide the world into sacred and Profane. While sacred is the realm par excellence and absolute; of purity which people cannot touch with impurity, profane is the rest part of the common man's life. Even in contemporary society the relevance of these concepts is apparent :-

1. In Religious sphere, people still consider Baptism, 'Sanskaras' in India as important rituals and take out shoes before entering temple showing separate sacred realm.

2. A new Civil Religion is rising with growth in Nationalism & national festivals, symbols, personalities are kept at a high pedestal.

3. People tend to uphold the Individual freedom, liberty & values leading to cult of Individual.

4. Innovations and deviations in profane realm like hairstyle, living conditions etc is acceptable.