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For a period of some three decades (1940s–1970s) the faculty and graduate students at the Department of Sociology at Columbia University, and its associated research unit (the Bureau of Applied Social Research: BASR), successfully produced a stream of innovative sociological studies which was particularly important in building on the foundations of classical sociology to establish modern sociology. Modern Sociology was produced as a theoretically sophisticated scientific enterprise firmly based on a solid empirical foundation produced by appropriate social research methods (as master-minded by Paul F. Lazarsfeld). The 'Columbia Tradition' is an approach, rather than being focussed on any particular subject matter, involved the development of 'middle-range theory', often broken-out from classic theory (as propounded by Robert K. Merton), and backed up by efforts at knowledge cumulation and institution building. But the School included a glittering array of important sociologists and hosts of others who extended the work of the two leaders, developing it in further directions, as is expected of any school. This school was sustained by the vision of a developing scientific sociology propounded by its founders, but it faltered as its founders retired from active leadership roles, in addition to being impacted by changes in Columbia University and broader Sociology environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Private Rental Sector in Australia: Living with Uncertainty" is a well-written and balanced book that provides a comprehensive review of the private rental sector (PRS) in Australia. The authors highlight the increasing proportion of households living in the PRS and the challenges they face, including housing stress and uncertainty about their housing futures. The book examines various aspects of the tenant-landlord relationship, the legal frameworks regulating the PRS, the dynamics of private rental investment, housing careers of households in the PRS, challenges in finding suitable and affordable accommodation, financial stress of renters, security of tenants, and the future of the PRS. The authors emphasize the need for reforms to address market failure and improve the well-being of private tenants. [Extracted from the article]