Reviews the formalization of theory and method in American sociology since World War II, particularly the growth of systematic-formal theories and quantitative methods for empirical research. Topics discussed include various methods of theorizing, trends in theoretical sociology, and increasing use of quantitative data for data design and…

Traces trends in theoretical models of organization theory over a 20-year period. Findings indicate that it has been increasingly recognized during this period that organizations are highly interdependent with their environments and that their boundaries are both permeable and variable. Suggested future directions include increased emphasis on…

While basically introducing and summarizing the 10 papers in this issue, Aging in Contemporary Society," the editor has ably presented concensual themes, such as the expectation of an increase in inter-generational hostility and the value of the modified extended family to the aged. See also: SO 500 217 to 500 226. (DB)

Demonstrates the relevance of ecology to sociological research and discusses some of the theoretical perspectives embodied in ecology. Examines ecology's emphasis upon the population rather than the individual as the unit of observation and on organizations as products of the interaction of population and environment. (DB)

Reviews developments within the field of American sociology since 1955, with particular emphasis on the subdisciplines of social stratification and mobility. Statistical applications and technical advances contributed by these subdisciplines have quantified sociology to the extent that all academic sociologists now need a thorough knowledge of…

Argues that recent work in research methods in sociology consists largely of adapting methods developed elsewhere (statistics, demography, economics) for answering relatively simple questions about social change. These questions reflect practical as well as theoretical concerns. Discusses social indicators, social forecasting, cohort, occupational…

Points out that sociologists should be aware of developments in the field of social psychology because sociological (particularly structural) analyses rest on assumptions about the social psychological properties of persons and processes. (DB)

Shows how applied sociological work has shaped the development of the discipline of sociology since World War II. Applied sociology is interpreted as application of sociological theory and knowledge to public policy problems. (DB)

Considers how the changed ecological conditions confronting human societies challenge sociology. Concludes that sociology stands in need of a fundamental alteration in its disciplinary paradigm. Suggests a 'New Ecological Paradigm' which may better serve the field of sociology in light of the current recognition of ecological realities. (Author/DB)

Explores elements of family conversation, searching for sources of friction between elderly parents and their children and strategies to reduce it. Investigates the following areas for sources of irritation and friction-minimizing strategies: information exchange, privacy and right to know, etiquette of avoidance, expressiveness, empty discourse,…

In light of the spread of unionization to professional fields and rising client rejection of professional rights to unique expertise, the estimate may well be that professionalization is no longer the preferred route to job autonomy, high income, and social status for occupations with knowledge claims. (Author/MB)

The following topics are examined: old age pensions under social security; economic policy as the primary determinant of social policy; the measurement of poverty and its implications for antipoverty policies; race and ethnic relations; the future of private welfare; and the analytic connection between sociology and social welfare. (RM)

Proposes the development of a new social psychology that would be psychological in its data-gathering, in seeking observations and measures on individuals, but would be system-oriented in theory and concepts. It would contribute to economic, political, and sociological issues. (Author/AV)

An examination of letters of recommendations written by English literature and chemistry professors for colleagues seeking academic positions in other universities revealed that particularism, nonprofessional and, perhaps, irrational factors were as much a part of the evaluation of their colleagues as were criteria usually thought to be germane to…

The author argues that much of the evidence utilized by sociologists is of questionable validity; that the relationships between major independent and dependent variables are generally quite weak; and that even if valid measures and strong relationships existed, the problems of interpretation are extremely formidable. (Author/MB)