THE CIVIC PROBLEM FROM A SOCIOLOGICAL STANDPOINT. 1
PROFESSOR IRA W. HOWERTH The University of Chicago
The discussion of the civic problem from a sociological stand- point demands an explanation of what the sociological standpoint is. There are not a few who deny the existence of sociology, to say nothing of granting it the development and independence which the possession of a standpoint would imply. And, in spite of the fact that such a denial is deemed unworthy of special atten- tion, it must be admitted that sociology is not yet sufficiently advanced to speak on any subject with convincing authority. Still there is a sociological standpoint, and much of the confusion of thought in regard to civic and social questions might be avoided if this standpoint were always taken by those who discuss them.
Sociology is commonly defined as the science of association. As such it may limit itself to the description of social phenomena and their causal explanation. It may be as indifferent to human progress, as contemptuous of the utilitarian purpose which its conclusions may serve, as ethically colorless, as "pure," as the science of mathematics. This conception of sociology is, I think, as far as it goes, legitimate. But every science has its application, and few scientists are able to preserve the neutrality they claim for their science. As Arnold Toynbee said of political econo- mists : " While affecting the reserved and serious air of students, [they] have all the time been found brawling in the market- place." So, if sociology were merely a pure or abstract science, we should still undoubtedly have at least the standpoint of the sociologist, if not of sociology.
1 An address delivered on Civic Day, Thursday, October 6, 1904, in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, at a meeting arranged by the National Municipal League, the League of American Municipalities, and the American Civic Associa- tion.
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