1. A Theory of Stereotypes
- Author
-
K. H. Silvert and Forrest E. LaViolette
- Subjects
History ,Sociology and Political Science ,Descriptive statistics ,Field (Bourdieu) ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Foundation (evidence) ,Pessimism ,Epistemology ,Social order ,Complete information ,Anthropology ,Sociology ,Descriptive research ,Construct (philosophy) ,media_common - Abstract
tion as the vehicle for the achievement of sociology's advance, although others uphold a contrary position. Should some theories prove sterile, adequate descriptive materials would endure as a foundation upon which to construct others. Furthermore, sociology may never embrace one theory satisfactory to all. The complexity and inherent change within the social order make it possible to envisage a situation where several conceptual schemes, all logically consistent within themselves, exist side by side. And, finally, a few sociologists maintain that a search for generalizations is legitimate and logical, but that failure is a reasonable possibility and the most that can be expected is a description of the interrelationships within a society.27 These views strike somewhat pessimistic notes; nevertheless they will be totally disregarded only by confirmed dogmatists. The influence of social or cultural change on descriptive research deserves elaboration. Anthropology, it appears, is in a comfortable position on the strength of the Boasian influence and the numerous field studies it engendered. Some significant theoretical advances may be anticipated in the near future. Yet, social or cultural change and the resultant urbanization of world folk-societies require further descriptive data on cultures about which rather complete information has heretofore existed. Therefore, this change may require a continual redescription of social units. Not only should impetus be given to descriptive studies of societies from diverse frames of reference, but these must be carried out on a world-wide scale. Sociologists all too often lull themselves into a complacency whereby research in one region, or even a part of one region, is considered definitive. Generalizations drawn from a theoretical frame*work are unscientifically accepted as conclusive without further checks. Therefore, descriptions of societies from the vantage point of both time and space are scientifically imperative.
- Published
- 1951