THE FAILURE OF AMERICAN SOCIOLOGY

In: Commentary, Band 28, Heft 5, S. 375-380

Abstract

A review of C. Wright Mills' THE SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION. Mills' condemnation of sociol needs qualification on 2 counts: (1) to expect professional sociol'ts to be the primary possessors of the sociol'al imagination would be to perpetuate an ancient intellectual imperialism which the humanities & the older soc sci's have always rightfully resented, & (2) much of the work of contemporary sociol'ts in special areas such as criminology, pop problems, or the study of voting trends is unquestionably valuable, as even the harshest critic discovers when seeking comparable information about a foreign country where academic sociol'al res remains undeveloped. Finally, there is a striking discrepancy between Mills' own work & his conception of what sociol ought to be. His books are surprisingly diffuse & repetitive, & his studies of contemporary US lack historical depth & comparative perspective. Yet, THE SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION is incredibly rich in ideas. It is impossible not to feel a sense of gratitude to Mills for having dispelled the air of make-believe that clings to contemporary sociol. J. A. Fishman.