Voluntary Social Services in London Schools

Abstract

future? The sociologists of the London School of Economics are particularly concerned with the fate of the journal, and it is no breach of confidence to state now that plans are under way for a drastic modification of the policy of the Review. Under the leadership of such men as Professor Ginsberg and Mr. Alexander Farquharson, a leading spirit of the Institute, an attempt will be made as soon as the financial status of the organization is adjusted to reestablish a thoroughly scholarly and scientific journal with a large and representative staff of editors and contributors. The controversy between the two groups in the Institute-the one favoring the application of sociology to immediate and local social problems, and the other which insists upon a more theoretical and pure type of science-is interesting to American sociologists since it suggests an everpresent problem facing our own Society. It is easy to understand the development of this practical interest in England. In the absence of leadership that might have been expected from strong departments in numerous institutions, and in the presence of the challenging problems of the postwar period the policy adopted was inevitable. It would seem, finally, that the way out lies in the old formula of both-and, rather than, either-or. With a journal revamped under the guidance of an increasing number of scientific sociologists, whatever their academic titles, plus the local community surveys, training classes, and social work institutes centering at Le Play House, there is indeed much to anticipate from sociology in England.