Sociological Theory

1
Sociological Theory

• Contemporary U.S.

2
The Social Context U.S., 1861-1975

• - the American tragedy 1861-1865
• - post-reconstruction/industrial revolution
  1876-1896
• - Progressive Era 1896-1930
• - depression and world war 1930-1945
• - postwar prosperity and cold war hysteria
  1945-1960
• - the Sixties

3
Comparing Sociological Theory U.S. and Europe

• Rapid social change?
• Protracted political debate?
• Orthogonal debate within sociology?

4
History of U.S. Sociology
Theory Time Place
Social Evolution 1876-1929 Ivy League
Urban Ecology 1892- Midwest
Functionalism 1950- Ivy League
Conflict Theory 1960- Midwest
Symbolic Interactionism 1960- Midwest
Marxist and Feminist 1970- West