Sociology in America

A History

Calhoun Craig

Though the word "sociology" was coined in Europe, the field of sociology grew most dramatically in America. Despite that disproportionate influence, American sociology has never been the subject of an extended historical examination. To remedy that situation – and to celebrate the centennial of the American Sociological Association – Craig Calhoun assembled a team of leading sociologists to produce "Sociology in America".

Rather than a story of great sociologists or departments, "Sociology in America" is a true history of an often disparate field – and a deeply considered look at the ways sociology developed intellectually and institutionally. It explores the growth of American sociology as it addressed changes and challenges throughout the twentieth century, covering topics ranging from the discipline's intellectual roots to understandings (and misunderstandings) of race and gender to the impact of the Depression and the 1960s.

"Sociology in America" will stand as the definitive treatment of the contribution of twentieth-century American sociology and will be required reading for all sociologists.

About the Author

Craig Calhoun is president of the Social Science Research Council and professor of sociology and history at New York University. He is the editor or coeditor of several volumes and author of "Nationalism and Neither Gods nor Emperors".

Reviews

American Sociological Association: ASA-History of Sociology Distinguished Scholarly Book Award – Won

"Sociology is one of this country's most distinctive contributions to twentieth-century world culture. Its role has been obscured by the historic prestige of the European Founders of sociology, yet it was here that the agonies and ecstasies of creating an internationally respected discipline were experienced. With the publication of Sociology in America, we at last have a chorus of voices who know how to do justice to its bite, verve, and gravitas" – Donald N. Levine, University of Chicago

"This remarkable collection of essays offers a comprehensive look at the immensely complex field of sociology over the past hundred years in the United States. It shines with intelligence: it was intelligently conceived, intelligently organized, intelligently introduced – most of that the work of its editor, Craig Calhoun – and the individual essays are uniformly excellent. A generation from now we may need a similar volume to locate sociology as a discipline on the intellectual map, but for now the task has been accomplished superbly" – Kai Erikson, Yale University

"This volume is more than a history; it is also a detailed analysis of the growth of a social science discipline. Readers who take the time to piece together the detailed narrative contained in these pages will be well rewarded. No recommendation can do it sufficient justice" – Choice

"[The book] succeeds in giving a sociological history of sociology – that is, it understands sociologists as agents acting within a specific field and responding to pressures... Indeed, through the contribution of some of the leading American sociologists in each field, every chapter opens new perspectives for the study of the history of sociology and for its renewal" – Jerome Melancon, Canadian Journal of Sociology

"A long-awaited and necessary first step toward a historians' history of the discipline" – Richard Caputo, Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare

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