A historical review of the scientific study of religion since the late nineteenth century. Concludes that religious researchers today must use approaches of many disciplines, including history, sociology, psychology, and phenomenology. For journal availability, see SO 506 201. (Author/DB)

Explores the relationship between cultural values and technology through examination of both values and technology in specific social contexts. Illustrations are based on two case studies--the proliferation of eating and drinking places in the United States and introduction of the gas stove in Senegal. (DB)

Describes an organization called the European Co-operation in Social Science Information and Documentation (ECSSID) and discusses its initiatives to establish Europe-wide cooperation in the exchange and collection of social science data. Specific aims of ECSSID are enumerated, including promotion of exchange of primary documents and building up of…

Draws attention to the need for an interdisciplinary approach to social and human sciences. Compares social science research to the art of weaving, in which the weaver knits separate pieces together in a unified whole. Available from: Unipub, Box 433, Murray Hill Station, New York, New York 10016. (Author/DB)

Dependency theory was part of the reaction against the thesis that proclaimed the benefits of economic integration into the capitalist world. The theory emphasizes the interplay between the internal structures of developing nations and international structures, and analyzes desirable national strategies and policies for structural changes. (CS)

The object of empirical musical sociology is to study the social interaction and interdependence of musicians or composers, their music, and the public. Trends in historical and contemporary musical sociology and the constituents of the musical process are examined. (AM)

Presents an overview of the interaction of science and technology with society and offers several summary observations. These include that the interaction depends upon whether technology has taken root in society and has a well-developed infrastructure and that the interaction is closely related to national and international economic and political…

This article explores the controversy over research and communication frameworks devised by the Research Committee on Innovative Processes in Social Change of the International Sociological Association. Concludes that current and future controversies can contribute to a fruitful discussion among social scientists of innovative processes in social…

Presents a comparative study of folk concepts of work in six cultures--Norway, Shetland Islands, Lesotho, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, and Columbia. Concludes that in all cases studied, work represents a means of personal and social fulfillment as well as an economic necessity. (DB)

Contends that social and human sciences are going to be changed by the new ideas and knowledge concerning the evolution of complex systems that is emerging from the natural sciences. Suggests that the work on self-organization theory and synergetic phenomena can serve as the basis for a new science that will allow the study of human systems in…

Suggests that peoples' encoded historical understandings are significant and therefore central to research. Delineates intellectual currents, such as an interest in the subjective world of humans, that have brought historians and anthropologists into a dialogue that has promoted cross-fertilization. Notes the impact of literary theory on that…

Reviews the history of the establishment of the concept of race. Traces the origins to the work of 17th- and 18th-century writers. Concludes that the notion of race became popular because it was associated with national identity and emerging ideas regarding evolution. (JDH)

Points out essential problems and concerns which guide basic contemporary research on the state and society. Suggests that research should concentrate on five or six broad fields, including the theory of the state, connections between economic/social and political spheres, political-social consensus, and class relations. Research methodology is…

Presents the argument that comparative studies of the state apparatus in Third World countries has been unnecessarily neglected by social science researchers. Maintains that such neglect is unwarranted because the role of the state apparatus is crucial in defining and achieving economic growth through incorporation to the world market. (Author/DB)