The Future of Sociology

Abstract

A review of changes in sociology since World War II is provided from the author's perspective. Major shifts include the growth in sociology and social science in general of technical expertise, but also of challenges to sociology as a science that can do work. Some aspects have been facilitated, such as the availability of clerical help (machines) and typing (machines), but the basic problems of the science have not changed. A major limitation is that funding is rarely available for research of the scope required to describe behavior adequately, and the science is at a descriptive stage. Optimism is appropriate, however, as, with a knowledge of limitations, the potential for future achievement exists.