In 1954 the editor of this volume suggested to the publisher that a
regular, although not necessarily frequent, review of sociology be under-
taken, similar to the volumes now being published in the fields of psy-
chology, physiology, medicine, and a number of others. The suggestion
was based on a consensus among many of my colleagues that such a vol-
ume would fulfill a fundamental need arising from the fact that the
research literature in sociology proliferated at a rapid rate in the decade
following the close of World War II and that the sources of publication
have been diffuse. There has also been no over-all summary and evalua-
tion of the literature for this period.

As the plan was conceived and executed by the contributors, each has
presented and evaluated the significant literature in his given area of
specialization for the years 1945 through the first quarter of 1955. As was
inevitable in a task of this magnitude, there were many delays in its
completion.

It is hoped that the Review will prove helpful to professional sociolo-
gists as well as to advanced students in sociology. It should also prove
useful to those who are interested in the current developments in the field
and who are unable to give concentrated attention to the constant flow
of publications.

The editor is exceedingly grateful to the scholars who contributed to
this book, and to Lami S. Gittler who assisted in the editing.

JOSEPH B. GITTLER

Rochester, New York
August, 1957

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