The American Journal of Sociology Through Fifty Years

Abstract

The first number of the American Journal of Sociology appeared in July, 1895. Its purposes, as outlined by its editor, Albion W. Small, were: (1) to build up a fund of social theory, (2) to make sociology a living discipline, (3) to promote the general welfare, and (4) to serve as a restraining influence on "premature" logical opinion. In its fifty years the Journal has published 2,373 articles. During its career the Journal has been a vehicle for the expression of sociological thinking and for technical professional discussions and an instrument in combating provincialism in American sociology. Most important, the editors of the Journal, by their selection of papers for publication, have helped to delineate the field of sociology.