Abstract
Scientific disciplines are defined not only by paradigms; they also respond to the prevailing political climate. Contradictory paradigms and lack of academic reputation marked the beginnings of German sociology. After World War I it had to defend itself against right-wing political mistrust. Therefore, many sociologists abstained from political comment and from empirical research as well. Beginning in 1925 there arose a new empirical orientation whose proponents were mostly on the right. Even for them, the take-over of the Nazis came as a total surprise. Jewish sociologists were forced to emigrate, leaving most others to accommodate to the new situation. Empirical social research flourished in the service of different political aims, while, with few exceptions, sociological theory disappeared or became insipid. After 1945 German sociology found a new historical identity which fitted the new political situation.
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