A degree in philosophy from the École Normale Supérieure in 1904 marked the start of Robert Hertz's academic career, where he finished at the top of his class. This French sociologist and anthropologist focused his research on the sociology of religion, becoming a key figure within the Annee Sociologique group before his life was cut short during active service in World War I.
Academic Foundations and Influences
After graduating from the École Normale Supérieure, Hertz conducted research at the British Museum. He subsequently returned to France to pursue doctoral studies under the supervision of Émile Durkheim and Marcel Mauss. His scholarly contributions were primarily rooted in the sociological framework developed by the Annee Sociologique collective.
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Hertz authored two foundational papers in 1907 and 1909: A Contribution to the Study of the Collective Representation of Death and The Pre-Eminence of the Right Hand: a Study in Religious Polarity. These were later published as Death and the Right Hand in 1960, translated by Rodney and Claudia Needham. His 1913 article regarding the festival of Saint Besse is recognized as an early anthropological examination of the Alps. Scholars such as Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard were influenced by his work, which is also viewed as a predecessor to the structuralist theories of Claude Lévi-Strauss.
Military Service and Death
Hertz served as a soldier during World War I and attained the rank of leader of his section. He died on 13 April 1915 during an engagement against German forces at Marchéville, Meuse. In recognition of his conduct during this action, he was posthumously awarded the Croix de Chevalier, also known as the Légion d'honneur. His unfinished doctoral thesis, titled Sin and Expiation in Primitive Societies, along with his correspondence with his wife Alice, née Bauer, were published following his death.
Fast facts
- Born: 1881, Saint-Cloud
- Died: 13 April 1915, Marchéville
- Education: École Normale Supérieure
- Fields: Sociology, Anthropology
- Citizenship: France
- Major work: Death and the Right Hand
- Posthumous award: Croix de Chevalier
Questions readers ask
What was the subject of Hertz's unfinished doctoral thesis?
His uncompleted work was titled Sin and Expiation in Primitive Societies.
Who did Robert Hertz work with during his doctoral studies?
He studied under Émile Durkheim and Marcel Mauss.
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