Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 1.djvu/342

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THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY.

this way the reciprocal and involved relations are more adequately realized.

Criteria of judgment must accompany principles of classification. It is natural, first of all, to inquire the purpose of the association. The final cause is here the creative force and the measure of worth. Usually the professed purpose is stated and published in the constitution. But the real ends may be much more complicated than the organic articles imply, and they may not correspond to published statements. Some of the earlier trades unions were organized under the title of friendly societies and mutual benefit clubs, because in no other way would public sentiment and law permit them to exist. Certain fashionable clubs have very attractive references to literature and art in their organic law; but the cook and bartender would be able to write a very instructive commentary on the public documents of the society. The final cause of a society must be sought in its conduct as well as in its verbal professions.

It is next necessary to set a value upon the purpose thus discovered. What satisfactions does it promise? How will realization of the aim affect society at large? How wide a range of persons is to receive help from it? In some cases, as college fraternities, much depends upon the character of the membership. Where financial elements are to be considered, the ability, capacity and fidelity of the officers are material considerations. Statistical science and art can here render valuable service as an ally by showing the geographical distribution, the fluctuations and tendencies, the successes and failures of various associations under consideration. The numerous "benevolent societies" of our country need this sort of examination, and the interests of millions of workingmen are involved in the investigation.

We turn to some of the normal uses of this form of social organization, and mention first the satisfaction of transitory wants of society or the needs of a local group or of a limited class. Differentiation carries with it variation of tastes. We must expect with higher civilization a growing unlikeness of aptitudes and inclinations. People who like the same things