Social Control: A Survey of the Foundations of Order

by Edward Alsworth Ross

"All of these studies fall within one narrow tract in the province of Sociology. Social Psychology, which term I apply to the branch of knowledge that deals with the psychic interplay between man and his environing society, falls into two subdivisions. One of these, Social Ascendency, deals with the domination of society over the individual; the other, Individual Ascendency, - embracing such topics as invention, leadership, the role of great men, - deals with the domination of the individual over society. Social Ascendency is further divided into Social Influence, - mob, mind, fashion, convention, custom, public opinion, and the like, - and Social Control. The former is occupied with the social domination which is intended and which fulfils a function in the life of society. This work, therefore, deals with only one subdivision in the field of Social Psychology.

"In this book I seek to determine how far the order we see all about us is due to influences that reach men and women from without, that is, social influences. I began the work nearly six years ago with the idea that nearly all the goodness and conscientiousness by which a social group is enabled to hold together can be traced to such influences. It seemed to me then that the individual contributed very little to social order, while society contributed almost everything. Further investigation, however, appears to show that the personality freely unfolding under conditions of healthy fellowship may arrive at a goodness all its own, and that order is explained partly by this streak in human nature and partly by influence of social surroundings. As I now conceive it my task is, therefore, first, to separate the individual's contribution to social order from that of society, and, second, to bring to light everything that is contained in his social contribution.

In taking up this work I have had no other thought than to see things as they are and to report what I see. I am not wedded to my hypothesis nor enamoured of my conclusions, and the next comer who, in the true scientific spirit, faces the problems I have faced and gives better answers than I have been able to give, will please me no less than he pleases himself."

Edward Alsworth Ross
March 1901
Edward Alsworth Ross is considered to be one of the most influential pioneers in sociology.

463 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Edward Alsworth Ross was a progressive American sociologist, eugenicist, and major figure of early criminology.

Reviews

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Social Control: A Survey of the Foundations of Order" is a book written by American sociologist and economist Edward Alsworth Ross, originally published in 1901. The book is an important early work in the field of sociology, and it provides a comprehensive analysis of the ways in which social order is established and maintained in human societies.

Ross argues that social control is essential for the functioning of any society, and that it takes many different forms, including law, religion, education, and social norms. He suggests that social control is a complex and dynamic process, and that it is constantly evolving in response to changing social and economic conditions.

The book is divided into three main sections. The first section provides a theoretical overview of social control, outlining the different approaches that have been taken by sociologists and other social scientists to understanding this concept. The second section provides a historical survey of social control, tracing its development from early human societies through to the modern era. The third section focuses on contemporary social control mechanisms, including the role of the state, the media, and new technologies.

Overall, "Social Control" is a seminal work in the field of sociology that continues to be widely read and discussed today. It provides a rich and nuanced analysis of the ways in which social order is established and maintained in human societies, and it remains an important contribution to our understanding of the complexities of social life.

GPT