812 SOCIOLOGY 



Of late sociology has given less heed to vague general considera- 

 tion of society as a whole, and has come to closer quarters with 

 certain phenomena of association especially those of social psych- 

 ology. The struggle-group as molded by conflict has received 

 attention. The mental unity and processes of the group have been 

 studied. The theory as to the relation of the individual to society 

 has been reviewed and radically modified. Environment is thought 

 of as exercising, not an immediate, but a complex and indirect 

 influence on society. Vague concepts of secular progress have 

 yielded to a more careful study of the conditions and laws of order 

 and change. Finally, sociology is seeking to add to its service as 

 a philosophy the contributions of a science which shall formulate 

 valid laws as to the universal principles that underlie the phe- 

 nomena of association. 1 



1 CaldwelTs statement may be quoted here: " The sociology of to-day is partly 

 a philosophical theory, partly a science, and partly a gospel about the tendencies 

 of what is called social evolution ; it is a theory of the nature and development 

 of the organization that is called society, of the manifestations in the actions of 

 men of the principles of association." Loc. cit. 



