The Role-Set: Problems in Sociological Theory

r N THE FIRST VOLUME of tlle first American journal devoted entirely to the subject of sociology, the role proper to the sociologist zwas described in these forthright terms: 'Social theorists need be meek men, and should stand with head uncovered before the special gifts and sernces of the men of genius who are working the latter-day miracles of industry and commerce.'l This was announced in I895. A few years later, ltmile Durkheim, who by all accounts ssas not apt to take up this diffident and admiring position before anyone, least of all businessmen, was reminding his readers that sociology was 'born only yesterday', indeed, that 'in the fifteen years before I900, it was possible to mention only ten names which were truly and properly the names of