Chase, Marvin A. « A Study of the Structure and Function

This investigation is an analysis of voluntary asso-ciations as studied by sociologists. One aspect of the study is to determine theoretical implications and major structural-functional characteristics of associations as they have developed during the last five decades. The data were obtained from a content analysis of articles in four major sociological Journals from 1920 to 1968. Variables were chosen which reflect the major factors considered by sociologists in this study of voluntary asso-ciations, The following variables are analyzed: methological approach, community setting, structure and function of volun-tary associations, participation in voluntary associations, and purpose for studying voluntary associations. The findings show that sociologists based their studies primarily on samples of under 400, the overwhelming number o