CULTURE AND SOCIETY, AN INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

By Francis E.Merrill, '26 and H. Wentworth Eldredge,Prentice-Hall. 1952. 611 pp. $5.50.

Unlike many introductory textbooks, this one will not leave the student wondering what sociology is all about. The initial chapter furnishes an excellent outline of what is to follow and a good statement of the field of sociology.

The sections dealing with culture and the social nature of personality are in the sound tradition of the emphasis which, for many years, has characterized the Dartmouth departmental approach. The treatment of social class and caste is more adequate than will be found in most introductory texts, although subjects like sex, age, and occupation with their accompanying roles should have been included in an analysis of social structure.

In no other elementary approach with which these reviewers are familiar is the subject of Collective Behavior as adequately presented. This section together with those of culture and of personality are doubtless the best features of the book.

In the analysis of social groups, only primary and secondary groups receive consideration; there is nothing about in-groups, outgroups, vertical and horizontal groups, and various other types. The selection of competition, conflict, accommodation, assimilation and cooperation as social processes is sound. This discussion could have been strengthened by more emphasis on the manner in which these processes apply to race, industry, culture contact, and other areas.

The abstract view of social institutions puts this subject in proper sociological focus. It is perhaps natural that, with the predilections of one of the authors, the family should receive more than its share of attention as one of the concrete institutions. The contention that this institution is multifunctional and the others

discussed are unifunctional is not consistently maintained.

The handling of social control is somewhat limited. On the other hand, the selection of a topic such as city planning as a practical application is probably as good a choice as could have been made.

The balance sheet is decidedly favorable. Because the book is well written, with an adequate conceptual sociological framework, containing the results of recent research enriching the field, it will be well received.