ASA Is 100 Years Old

This is the first of a series of articles commemorating ASA’s centennial year.

The beginning of a new year is often a time of reflection and brings the promise of renewal. For members of the Association and for sociology in general, however, 2005 has a very special and significant meaning because it marks the 100th anniversary of ASA’s founding. This year will be the occasion for celebrations and other commemorations of this historic milestone.

ASA staff and historically minded members recently ascended to “ASA’s attic,” so to speak, and have rummaged around the archives—locating the “skeletons in the closet” and the historical “ASA baby photos”—from ASA’s past 100 years of history. They plan to share it all with the membership during this year.

At this time 100 years ago . . . at about the time that the Wright brothers flew the first powered aircraft, the American Sociological Society was also off to a flying start as a newly formed association (1905).

Matilda and John (Jack) Riley adopted me into their extensive family of scholars, scientists, co-workers, professors, students, and friends in June 1974. At the time I didn’t know that my first acquaintance with them at this second session of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) Committee on Work and Personality in the Middle Years (chaired by Orville G. Brim, Jr.) would change the direction of my professional and personal life. I had just joined the SSRC’s staff, and this committee session was my introduction to the Council and its activities. What an introduction it was!