THE SOCIOLOGY OF KNOWLEDGE IN AMERICAN SOCIOLOGY: ORIGINS, DEVELOPMENT, AND FUTURE

This paper examines the origins, development, and current status of the sociology of knowledge in American sociology. If a traditional and narrow definition of the sociology of knowledge is employed, few American studies appear to fall into this area of interest. However, when the sociology of knowledge is defined as a general frame of reference that is utilized in various research endeavors, definite orientations can be recognized. Most studies are seen as falling under one or more of the questions posed by Robert K. Merton in his paradigm for the sociology of knowledge. The paper concludes with a discussion of possible future trends.