Introduction to the Principles of Sociology: A Text Book for Colleges and Universities (Classic Reprint)

In the past we have had almost as many different conceptions of sociology as there have been sociologists. But gradually there has been evolving a more or less definite idea of what the science really includes, and the time seems ripe for a text that will represent this movement. The author does not look upon sociology as a theoretical analysis of society, noras a sort of social psychology; neither does he consider it merely the study of some of our social problems. He looks upon sociology as a broader and deeper subject than any of these conceptions of the past, as a subject that comprises in a related fashion these different specific phases. The plan of the book is to give the student who takes but one course in sociology a general idea of the whole science, and to give to the student who tontinues the subject a foundation for advanced work. Emphasis is placed upon those subjects that will be of greatest practical value to the student, such as immigration, the race question, the family, poverty, and crime, altho other phases of the science, such as the evolution of institutions and the general principles of social theory, are not neglected. At the end of each chapter is given a list of reading references, so that the text can be used in a one term course with a limited amount of outside reading, and in a two terms course with more extended use of collateral readings. Chapter fourteen, on education, can easily be omitted if time is limited. Because of the general nature of the text and because much of the subject matter is common property, the author has made no attempt to refer to the original source of the information given; all the leading books used will be found in the bibliography at the end. The writer wishes to express his appreciation for advice and help on the part of his friends and colleagues, especially toP rof. L. J. Mills for valued aid in re
(Typographical errors above are due to OCR software and don't occur in the book.)