Psychology and sociology in Britain in the 20th century: A brief historical note

Abstract

As versions of human science, psychology and sociology have overlapping but also contrasting epistemologies. In addition, both national/cultural, as well as global, factors shape their character. These points are applied to the development of the two disciplines in the context of 20th century Britain. The dominant influences of eugenics and empiricism in the first part of the century are examined and contrasted with the later impact of postmodernism. The ambiguous position of social psychology remains at the boundary of the two disciplines today.