Standardizing Basic Concepts in Sociology

The idea of standardizing concepts in sociology is not new, but we have made little progress, despite the early hopes of such theorists as Durkheim and Weber. This article refutes the arguments of some who contend that we do not need standard concepts, we cannot make standard concepts, social phenom...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American sociologist 1990-12, Vol.21 (4), p.352-358
Main Author: Wallace, Walter L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
American Sociological Association
Concept Formation
Concept Teaching
Cultural customs
Definitions
Empiricism
Fundamental Concepts
Higher Education
Hope
Observational research
Phenomena
Social Scientists
Social structures
Social theories
Sociological Associations
Sociological Theory
Sociologists
Sociology
Standardization
Standing committees
Theory Formation
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Summary:The idea of standardizing concepts in sociology is not new, but we have made little progress, despite the early hopes of such theorists as Durkheim and Weber. This article refutes the arguments of some who contend that we do not need standard concepts, we cannot make standard concepts, social phenomena are too complex and changeful, sociologists are too individualistic and sociological concepts are too context-dependent. The author proposes that the American Sociological Association appoint a Committee on Basic Sociological Concepts to investigate and recommend the official adoption of a basic conceptual language in American sociology.
ISSN:0003-1232
1936-4784
DOI:10.1007/BF02691845