Gouldner

Gouldner, Albert O. (1920-2000) was an American sociologist known for his contributions to the study of social stratification and social mobility. Born in New York City, Gouldner earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1948. He began his academic career at the University of Chicago, where he taught from 1948 to 1954. In 1954, he moved to the University of California, Berkeley, where he remained until his retirement in 1988.

Gouldner's work is characterized by a critical examination of social institutions and their impact on individuals and society. His most influential book, "The Politics of Human Relationships" (1954), explores the role of social institutions in shaping human behavior and the dynamics of social stratification. In this work, Gouldner argues that social institutions, such as the family and the workplace, are not neutral but are structured by power and inequality.

Another significant contribution by Gouldner is his analysis of social mobility. In "The American Class Structure" (1975), he examines the factors that influence social mobility and the ways in which social stratification is maintained. Gouldner's work has had a lasting impact on sociological theory and continues to be studied and cited in academic circles.

Gouldner's approach to sociology is often described as critical and analytical, focusing on the structural aspects of society. His work has been influential in shaping the field of sociology and has contributed to a deeper understanding of social stratification and social mobility. Despite his passing in 2000, his ideas and analyses continue to be relevant and studied in contemporary sociological research.