An Introduction to the Study of Society: an Outline of Primary Factors and Fundamental institutions

Abstract

PROF. HANKINS holds the chair of sociology at Smith College. He has written a book which suggests two questions. Is the task which he has undertaken one which falls to the sociologist as such to accomplish? Is he following the best method to achieve the purpose which he has in view? The title and sub-title of the book give some idea of its scope. It includes discussions of the origin of man, the races of man, the physiographic, biological, psychological, and cultural factors in social life, the evolution of material culture, myth, magic, religion, and science, marriage and the family, and ends with an examination of social organisation and integration. It may be said at once that this is an exceedingly competent production. The author has patiently mastered a huge mass of material; he exhibits good judgment and width of mind. The exposition is orderly and lucid. The book is what it purports to be—a scientific study of the background of social life.

An Introduction to the Study of Society: an Outline of Primary Factors and Fundamental institutions.

By Prof. Frank Hamilton Hankins. Pp. xiv + 760. (New York: The Macmillan Co., 1928.)17s. net.