Describe the origins of sociology in the United States, and identify two significant early American sociologists along with their most significant contributions

Question

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Answer 1

The first department of sociology in the United States was established at the University of Chicago, where the faculty was instrumental in starting the American Sociological Society (now known as the American Sociological Association). Robert Park asserted that urbanization had a disintegrating influence on social life by producing an increase in the crime rate and creating racial and class antagonisms that contributed to the segregation and isolation of neighborhoods. George Herbert Mead founded the symbolic interaction perspective. His emphasis was on the importance of studying the group ("the social") rather than starting with separate individuals. He also called attention to the importance of shared communication among people based on language and gestures. Additionally, Mead gave us important insights on how we develop our self-concept through interaction with those persons who are the most significant influences in our lives. Jane Addams founded the Hull House in an impoverished area of Chicago.

Addams was one of the best-known early women sociologists in the United States. Throughout her career, she was actively engaged in sociological endeavors: she lectured at numerous colleges, was a charter member of the American Sociological Society, and published a number of articles and books. She was awarded a Nobel Prize for her assistance to the underprivileged.

W.E.B. Du Bois founded the second department of sociology in the United States at Atlanta University. He created a laboratory of sociology, instituted a program of systematic research, founded and conducted regular sociological conferences on research, founded two journals, and established a record of valuable publications.