30 Days of Sociology

For 30 days, we’re exploring key ideas, questions and real-world applications of sociology. Each day highlights a concept, issue or research area that helps us better understand society, and our place within it.

Whether you're a current student, prospective major or simply curious about how the world works, this series is for you.

If Émile Durkheim were around today, he’d probably look at the whole “6–7 phenomenon” and say, that’s collective consciousness in real time.

Émile Durkheim is one of the founders of sociology. His whole idea of collective consciousness (conscience collective) was that when people come together, something bigger takes over—shared vibes, unspoken rules, and group behavior that no one person is fully controlling. It’s not just individuals acting separately; it’s the group creating its own momentum.

The 6–7 phenomenon is a perfect example of that. Out of nowhere, people sync up, follow the same pattern, and act collectively—no leader, no plan, just a shared understanding that somehow clicks into place. It’s basically proof that social life has its own kind of energy.