Birth of A. Gouldner’s Reflexive Sociology: His Basic Problem of LOGOS ARMED

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Abstract

This paper investigates birth of Albin Gouldner’s reflexive sociology. The author thinks origin of his sociological thought was Citizens’ Social Research Council in New York and its organ “Idea for Action.” Also his interaction with R. K. Merton and experience of research assistant for T. W. Adorno are examined. Gouldner’s basic and lasting sociological problem must be found in his first edited book Studies in Leadership in 1950. He describes his basic sociological problem as follows. Social problem “arises when existent social problems become urgent, but when prevalent conceptual tools・・・fail to make intelligible the institutional roots of the problem.” He is logos armed and his sociology is practical sociology.
Gouldner thinks from the beginning, based on his experience of activist, that theorists must establish social organizational bases but must be completely free from bureaucracy. Pattern of Industrial Bureaucracy (1954) and Wildcat Strike (1954) are a variation of his basic problem. By using Max Weber’s theory of bureaucracy and structural-functional analysis, he is looking for how to break iron cage of bureaucracy. Here he discusses about relationship between sentiment and theories of bureaucracy by dealing with metaphysical pathos of theories. His reflexive sociology can be found here.
Another variation of his basic problem is Enter Plato in 1965. He deals with the relationship between society and social theory and completes his reflexive sociology of knowledge. In conclusion, author discuss about meanings of Gouldner’s practical sociology to sociology today.

Author

• Shujiro Yazawa, Seijo University, Hitotsubashi University