Sociology Wants Mathematics

Résumé du livre

The current sociological literature contains many examples where the verbal presentation cries out for a formal (mathematical) structure. There are other examples where sociological writings have explicitly used mathematical models which need clarification and analysis. Twelve examples are given of these wants of mathematics. These examples can serve as an introduction for sociologists and mathematicians of the potential role of mathematics in sociology. Some of the examples suggest major research efforts, such as, the further development of social psychology by more complete formal models and other examples suggest major developmental programs, such as, a decision theoretic approach to population prediction. (Author Modified Abstract).