Who Lost the Chicago School of Political Science?

In: Perspectives on politics: a political science public sphere, Band 2, Heft 1, S. 91-93

Abstract

Explanations for the disappearance of the Chicago school of political science are sought. After reviewing the significant contributions that the Chicago school made to US political science between the 1930s & the 1960s, factors that contributed to the emergence of the Chicago school during the early 1920s are examined. Specifically, it is contended that Charles E. Merriam's personal charisma & professional acumen solidified the Chicago school's place within US political science from 1920-1940. Nevertheless, it is asserted that the efforts of Merriam in establishing the Chicago school remain overlooked by contemporary scholarship; for example, it is noted that the Chicago school of political science was not mentioned in publications commemorating the university's centennial anniversary. In addition, it is lamented that current scholars have failed to acknowledge the Chicago school's contributions to anti-behavioralism. 5 References. J. W. Parker