Showing papers in "American Journal of Sociology in 1924"
TL;DR: In this article, the relation of the individual to the culture of the group is discussed, and the tendency toward a gradual shift of emphasis, the immediate ends coming to be felt as means toward the remoter ends, which originally resulted from the play of surplus energy.
Abstract: Varying definitions of culture. The ethnologist's or culture-historian's use of the term. Individual culture as a traditional ideal. The general spirit of the "genius" of a national civilization; France and Rusia as examples. Genuine culture, as here defined, possible on all levels of civilization; culture may be but a spurious thing in the most sophisticated or progressive of societies. Efficiency no measure of culture. Maladjustments between cultural values and new economic conditions. Immediate ends and remoter ends of human activity. Tendency toward a gradual shift of emphasis, the immediate ends coming to be felt as means toward the remoter ends, which originally resulted from the play of surplus energy. Necessity of the psychological shift owing to modern man's inability to arrive at individual mastery within the sphere of direct ends. The relation of the individual to the culture of the group. A rich cultural heritage needed to enable the individual to find himself. The relativity of cultural value...
284Â citations
TL;DR: The human community may be considered as an ecological product, that is, as the outcome of competitive and accommodative processes which give spatial and temporal distribution to human aggregations and cultural achievements.
Abstract: The ecological basis of community-The human community may be considered as an ecological product, that is, as the outcome of competitive and accommodative processes which give spatial and temporal distribution to human aggregations and cultural achievements Factors determining size of community-The growth or decline of a given community is a function of its relative strength in the larger competitive process Communities are in constant competition with one another, and any advantage in location, resources, or market organization is forthwith reflected in differential growth The internal structure of community-The utilities, institutions, and inhabitants of a community are spatially distributed and territorially segregated as a result of competition and selection Redistribution and segregation are constantly in process as new factors enter to disturb the competitive relations
274Â citations
TL;DR: The group fallacy as mentioned in this paper consists in substituting the group for the individual as a principle of explanation, and the group concept may be phrased in either psychological or purely social terms.
Abstract: The manner of thinking in terms of the obsolete crowd-mind theory still persists. Speaking in terms of collectivity is alluring; but it is description, not explanation. Social organism metaphors, group-mind theories, and the like never lead beyond themselves, nor serve to reveal causation. The group fallacy defined.-This fallacy consists in substituting the group for the individual as a principle of explanation. The group concept may be phrased in either psychological or "purely social" terms. Illustrations are drawn from the following fields. I. Social conflict. Freudian repression and dissociation are terms applicable only to individuals. There is a wide divergence of meaning between mental conflict and social conflict. 2. Revolution. Here the fallacy is expressed in such group terms as immobility of society and breakdown of "social habits." These terms are merely descriptive, drawing attention away from the truly causal behavior of individuals. 3. The theory of the super-organic. The concept of a causa...
103Â citations
83Â citations
TL;DR: The humanistic and social scientists in order to make their desciplines into true sciences must follow the workers in the physicochemical disciplines in extruding from their domains animatistic and other supernatural forces as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: How can the social sciences be solidly established?-The humanistic and social scientists in order to make their desciplines into true sciences must follow the workers in the physicochemical disciplines in extruding from their domains animatistic and other supernatural forces. For all sciences must be natural-must deal with actually observable phenomena. The social scientist wrongly assumes psychics or animistic forces, such as instincts, are guaranteed by psychologists. The psychologist today abides by the canons of natural science and studies interacting things, i.e., persons (reactions) and stumuli. Social psychology, likewise a natural discipline, studies cultural reactions and institutions. Cultural reactions and institutions both developed and modified through mutual interaction. Mutual modifications of cultural responses and institutions tend in certain directions. Any such definite tendecy we look upon as a specific historical development. Historical developments of cultural phenomena influenced an...
10Â citations
TL;DR: The "drive toward objectivity" of which the previous sections have exhibited incidents initiated the American sociological movement, not by foisting formulas upon passively receptive minds, but by generating a critical spirit, by means of the entire tradition of social science methodology, both toward that methodology itself and toward tried and untried proposlas of social programs as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The "drive toward objectivity" of which the previous sections have exhibited incidents initiated the American sociological movement, not by foisting formulas upon passively receptive minds, but by generating a critical spirit, by means of the entire tradition of social science methodology, both toward that methodology itself and toward tried and untried proposlas of social programs. The immediate antecedents of American sociology were the Verein fur Social politik and its offspring, the American Economic Association. Until now American sociology has covered only the necessary rudimentary period of determining working categories. The place of Lester F. Ward in the movement is indicated. The modicum of identical ideas among the beginners is described. The sociologists had to take their turn in learning that objective reality, not antecedent definition, eventually molds science. An appropriate title for a sympathetic story of the American sociological movement up to the present time would be Up from Amateurism.
8Â citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the statistical method in defining the societal variable-room overcrowding among the families of Chicago workers-and is based on data gathered by the former School of Civics and Philanthropy.
Abstract: One of the basic problems for the sociologist is the discovery and definition of his constants and the description of his variables. The statistical method supplies a tool for the quantitative measurement of societal variables. This paper seeks to use the statistical method in defining the societal variable-room overcrowding among the families of Chicago workers-and is based on data gathered by the former School of Civics and Philanthropy. The group of 212 Italians from the Plymouth Court district is selected as a typical case for statistical definition. The coefficient of correlation, mean, standard deviation, and standard error of the mean, are computed for this group. In terms of these indexes it is possible to define with some precision the relationship between room occupancy and cubic air capacity, the average condition of occupants, the degree to which this average condition represents the series, and the probable representativeness of the sample. Further statistical analysis discovers the mathemati...
7Â citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed to approach the problem of American sectionalism from the angle of religious group-mindedness, in view of the contentious situation within the corpus Christianorum in America and elsewhere.
Abstract: Scientific hypothesis: A system of conditional federation prevails not only objectively in terms of constitutional law and the mutual service nexus of an economic order, but subjectively in the terms under which religious groups consociate and in which religion rationalizes the process of life. The two are closely related. The writer proposes to approach the problem of American sectionalism from the angle of religious group-mindedness; this in view of the contentious situation within the corpus Christianorum in America and elsewhere. The present article sketches the heuristic principles entailed in the theories of Troeltsch and Weber. The salvation pragma of Luther and Calvin entail radically different concepts of natural law, of the positive law of Christianity, and of the relation between the two. The result is for the Calvinist a group-trust-at-law, the contractual relationship of a fellowship, an element of corporateness and a unitary order; for the Lutheran a status under a faith-trust in a dual inst...
7Â citations
TL;DR: Laughlin this paper concluded that "the recent immigrants present a higher percentage of inborn socially inadequate qualities than do the older stocks" An examination of his data and methods of analysis proves this conclusion to be unfounded, as proved by the relatively large probable errors of the samples chosen.
Abstract: From a survey of the comparative extent of social inadequacy among the various races and nationalities in the United States which Dr H H Laughlin prepared for the House Committee on Immigration and Naturalization, he concluded that "the recent immigrantspresent a higher percentage of inborn socially inadequate qualities than do the older stocks" An examination of his data and methods of analysis proves this conclusion to be unfounded (I) His data are incomplete and statistically biased, as proved by the relatively large probable errors of the samples chosen (2) The "quotas" for the various races and nationalities are derived without proper regard for the homogeneity of the facts compared (3) The statistics disclose larger differential ratios between the older immigrant stocks and the natives than between the recent and older immigrant stocks (4) Quotas for recent immigrant stocks are actually lower than the quotas for the older stocks, native and immigrant, in seven out of the nine inadequacie
6Â citations
TL;DR: The Schmoller-Treitschke constroversy as mentioned in this paper covered a range of argument which could not be reduced to the limits of this section, and representative propositions were selected and discussed as illustrations of "the psychology of transition".
Abstract: The Schmoller-Treitschke constroversy covered a range of argument which could not be reduced to the limits of this section. As a compromise representative propositions are selected and discussed as illustrations of "the psychology of transition." Whenever issue os joined between individuals, on the one hand, who represent respectively conventional views, social, scientific, political, religious, and dissent from the same; or, on the other hand, classes which are established and classes which are ambitious to secure standing, certain typical attitudes are exhibited. The contents of this section constitute one of the choicest collections in our literature of specimens exemplifying the rule.
5Â citations
TL;DR: In the logic of science, basic assumptions are adopted consciously as working postulates; they find justification in their workability and not in any fancied universality or necessity as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The necessity of assumed postulates as bases for every conclusion of human thought is illustrated by C. S. Peirce's four methods of fixing belief. By the logic of science, basic assumptions are adopted consciously as working postulates; they find justification in their workability and not in any fancied universality or necessity. Hypothetic inference, the unique tool of scientific logic, is not self-sufficient, but relies on both induction and deduction. The deductive phase of scientific procedure is often overlooked, which oversight may become a temptation to dogmatism; likewise, induction is frequently relied on to play more than its legitimate role, that of carrying the investigator to the stage of hypothesis. The logic of science pursues a method that is little more than an elaboration of the method of common sense. Mr. Bryan's quarrel with science is at heart a conflict between Aristotelian logic and the logic of science, a fact which scientists themselves have been slow to grasp. An appeal to the lo...
TL;DR: The Verein fur Socialpolitik as discussed by the authors was formed by Wagner and Schmoller, who made their most dramatic confession of the new faith, epitomized by the address in which the former made his most dramatic confessional confession.
Abstract: The initiative of Knies, mentioned in Section XIII, passed in transformation of German economic theory into the movement of which Wagner and Schmoller may be taken as representatives. The address in which the former made his most dramatic confession of the new faith is epitomized. An account of the formation of the Verein fur Socialpolitik, with digest of its creed, follows. An outline of Schmoller's version of the doctrine presents the situation against which the obstructionary type of social theory made its culminating attack.
TL;DR: Giddings' concept of the consciousness of kind as the elemental aspect of human association is strengthened and clarified in the light of a recent development in psychology-the conditioned response as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Giddings' concept of the consciousness of kind as the elemental aspect of human association is strengthened and clarified in the light of a recent development in psychology-the conditioned response. This latter, the transfer of associations and the conditioning of emotions, has been demonstrated by Pavlow's experiments with the salivary reflexes of dogs and John B. Watson's experiments with the emotional reactions of infants. This psychological mechanism clarifies many of the more obscure aspects of the Giddings concept, and in it one of the forces active in the determination of kind is discovered.
TL;DR: The views of a highly representative group of social workers are excerpted in this article in respect to the following points: (I) Emphasis upon personality as compared with academic training; (II) emphasis upon liberal or cultural value as compared to vocational value; and (III) emphasis on experience rather than academic study; (IV) Adverse criticisms: (a) A priori theorizing; (b) Aloofness from real problmes; (c) Immaturity of students.
Abstract: The views of a highly representative group of social workers are excerpted in respect to the following points: (I) Emphasis upon personality as compared with academic training. (2) Emphasis upon liberal or cultural value as compared with vocational value. (3) Emphasis upon experience as compared with academic study. (4) Adverse criticisms: (a) A priori theorizing; (b) Aloofness from real problmes; (c) Immaturity of students. (5) Favorable criticisms (including relative evaluations of theoretical, historical, and applied sociology). Brief tabulations are appended indicating the number and representativeness of respondents, and their evaluations of the respective phases of the subject for the technique, point of view, and equipment of themselves and of employees.
TL;DR: In this paper, the solvent most in evidence in the breaking up of German economic orthodoxy was the ethical factor and its activity is easily traced during the two decades before its prevalence became an accomplished fact.
Abstract: At las the solvent most in evidence in the breaking up of German economic orthodoxy was the ethical factor. Its activity is easily traced during the two decades before its prevalence became an accomplished fact. Knies is taken as typical of the earlier stages of the ethical movement.
TL;DR: There is fairly good evidence that the families of recent alumnae are large than those of earlier classes, and the size of family varies slightly with the occupation of the husband.
Abstract: Approximately 60 per cent of Vassar alumnae marry. This proportion is increasing and the interval between graduation and marriage is decreasing. The proportion of marriages is smaller, however, for Vassar alumnae than for the alumnae of finishing and preparatory schools. The average number of children for married Vassar alumnae is two. There is fairly good evidence that the families of recent alumnae are large than those of earlier classes. The size of family varies slightly with the occupation of the husband. The mortality rate for infants under one year is low and decreasing, and varies considerably with the age of the mother and the size of the family. As time passes most of the vital statistics of this college group are coming to resemble more nearly the vital statistics of non-college groups.
TL;DR: The fatuities of the entire technique of biological analogies are exposed in a digest of Menger's destructive criticism in this article, showing that Menger was an economic heretic who was persona non grata with the Austrian authorities.
Abstract: Albert Schaffle began as one of the founders of the Austrian School of economic theory. The social idea early made him an economic heretic, and ill-fated action in public office made him persona non grata with the Austrian authorities. His divergence from the main line of economic theory carried him into publication of the strictly sociological work which became one of the prominent factors in the early stages of the American sociological movement. Lilienfeld is credited with a function similar to that of Schaffle in promoting the sociological movement, and the fatuities of the entire technique of biological analogies are exposed in a digest of Menger's destructive criticism.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the types of migrants in the United States, the reasons underlying their being, and offer suggestions as to the checking and control of the problem of the migrant in the US.
Abstract: Despite the efforts of governmental authorities and social workers, the problem of the migrant in the United States, has, with the passing years, become more acute, until at the present time a conservative estimate of the number of men and boys riding around the country on freight trains, and living on what they can beg or steal, is placed at several million. The writer believes that there are two factors responsible for this condition, namely, a lack of understanding of what hobos or migrants are, and second, a lack of insight into the causes that prompt migrancy. This paper is an attempt to consider briefly, first, the types of migrants in the United States, second, the reasons underlying their being, and third, to offer suggestions as to the checking and control of the problem.
TL;DR: In this period of readjustement after the Great War the German masses have gone through untold privations and deprivations as mentioned in this paper, and daily does the number increase of those who lose their grip upon the pinacle of wealth and fall back.
Abstract: In this period of readjustement after the Great War the German masses have gone through untold privations and deprivations. It is a grim battle that the laborer fights, and daily does the number increase of those who lose their grip upon the pinacle of wealth and fall back. It is the large middle class that feels most the clutching hand of poverty. The sources of the higher life are drying up. In a country struggling for bare survival, the luxuries of learning and tradition are dispensed with, and the services of intellectual workers are not in demand. The emphasis is upon production. Science and invention are moribund, and under the terrific pressure the intellectuals are scattering into better paid but less cultural pursuits, and this is hastened by the state of mind of the intellectual himself. Bitterness fills him, and the suffering of the children breaks his nerve. The body of the middle class is honeycombed with disease. Hospitals are always filled. A physically ill class is no more productive than ...
TL;DR: Menger's more detailed criticism of the historical school, Schmoller's reply, and Menger's rejoinder are epitomized as evidences that conflicts of views about procedure in social science were converging toward requisitions for more adequate methods than either of the contestants had adopted as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Menger's more detailed criticism of the historical school, Schmoller's reply, and Menger's rejoinder are epitomized as evidences that conflicts of views about procedure in social science were converging toward requisitions for more adequate methods than either of the contestants had adopted.
TL;DR: The evaluation of communities and the scoring of social activities must be made along three general lines: first, the community in general in its relation to the activity concerned; second, the specific activity with regard to its program, equipment, and participants; and third, an analysis of the activity in terms of its functioning as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The evaluation of communities and the scoring of social activities must be made along three general lines: first, the community in general in its relation to the activity concerned; second, the specific activity with regard to its program, equipment, and participants; and third, an analysis of the activity in terms of its functioning. The last has been largely neglected in certain types of investigation because of the difficulty in establishing an objective unit of measure for the functioning of group activities. Functioning can be measured objectively in terms of what it accomplishes.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the causes of political decay in the Roman Empire: representative despotism, concentration of offices, privileges classes driven into orgies of private luxury, conciliation of poor by free gifts of corn and public games; the worship of the emperors as divinities and sacred character of their images; destruction of liberty and of opportunities; self-respect of the Roman citizen destroyed.
Abstract: Causes of political decay-Imperial Roman System: representative despotism; concentration of offices, privileges classes driven into orgies of private luxury; conciliation of poor by free gifts of corn and public games; the worship of the emperors as divinities and sacred character of their images; destruction of liberty and of opportunities. Degradation of slavery: slaves replaced the home stock of the best men who went to the provinces as soldiers and to engage in trade; agriculture became extinct; the race of free presents became extinct; all liberty bartered for free corn; self-respect of the Roman citizen destroyed. Gladiatorial shows and dethronement of pity: brutal amusements; Roman populace and social elect amused by shows of gladiators, slaves, criminals, and wild beasts by the thousands fighting to the death; re-enthronement of pity by Christianity; the failure of the eighty-four years of good government of Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius, and Marcus to save the Empire. Conditions affecting social and ...