The Chicago School

1. The Chicago School Strong influence in Early American Sociology 1892 - 1934

2. The Chicago School Albion Small (1854-1926) • Established Dept. ofSociology at University of Chicago in 1892 • Founded the American Journal of Sociology in 1895 • Helped to establish the American Sociological Society in 1905

3. The Chicago School Other famous sociologists at the University of Chicago • Robert Park • Ernest W. Burgess • Louis Wirth • W. I. Thomas

4. Viewpoint of early sociologists at University of Chicago: • concerned about poverty and other social problems • believed that research should be directed toward social reform • research method emphasized • Verstehen • participant observation

5. By the 1930’s • shift away from social reform • emphasis on “scientific objectivity” • movement of the few women in sociology to social work

6. George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) Philosopher who influenced sociologists Symbolic Interactionism • human capacity for thoughtis shaped by social interaction • people are able to interact because of shared meanings and symbols • intertwined patterns of interaction are basis for groups and societies

7. George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) Evolutionary and dialectical view of the social development of the individual • The self evolves by adapting to conditions within society • Individual development occurs in interaction with other people

8. George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) Development of social self • the play stage (imitating the roles of others) • the game stage (learning connections between roles) • generalized other (internalizing the norms of the group or community)

9. George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) Generalized other • source of social control • encourages conformity The “Me” – self-control resulting from awareness of views of others The “I” – creative part of the self, • responds to the “Me” • may sometimes be non-conformist

10. George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) Methodology • Objectivity is not really possible • Social scientist is part of the social forces being studied • Need “reflective consciousness” to note aspects of society that should be changed

11. Charles Horton Cooley (1864-1929) Microsociologist Focus on the human mindin the context of society Basis for society: “imaginations which people have of one another”

12. Charles Horton Cooley (1864-1929) Looking-Glass Self The view that we haveof our own selves is based onhow we imagine that others see us. • That is, interaction with others shapes one’s consciousness, including the consciousness of oneself.

13. Charles Horton Cooley (1864-1929) Different types of interaction • primary groups • characterized by loyalty, affection, acceptance, informal interaction, and a wide range of common interests • secondary groups • characterized by a focused purpose, formal interaction, and a narrow range of common interests

14. Charles Horton Cooley (1864-1929) Methodology • Statistics are useful • but need to be combinedwith sympathetic understandingand imagination • Sociology is not like physics • it involves interpretation

15. The Women of Hull House Led by Jane Addams • Did statistical research in low-income areas • Advocated for the poor • Organized community programs • Fought for progressive legislation,including an end to child labor • Shared ideas and methodology with men at University of Chicago