Lester Frank Ward

À propos de l'auteur

Lester Frank Ward was an American sociologist, botanist, and paleontologist, often regarded as the father of sociology in the United States. He is best known for his work 'Dynamic Sociology,' published in 1883, where he argued for a scientific approach to social issues and the application of sociology to improve society. His ideas emphasized the importance of education and social planning in creating a progressive society, which was a significant departure from the prevailing social Darwinism of his time.

Ward's contributions extended beyond sociology; he was also a prominent advocate for women's rights and social reform. He believed in the potential of human agency to shape society positively, contrasting with the deterministic views of his contemporaries. His legacy includes influencing early sociological thought and laying the groundwork for later theories in social science. Despite being less recognized than some of his contemporaries, his ideas continue to resonate in modern sociology and social theory.