ABSTRACT
Legal scholars and philosophers examine human rights. Sociological study of human rights is uncommon (exceptions include Howard and Donnelly 1986; Mitchell, Howard, and Donnelly 1987; and Howard 1995). Human rights are a collective good, and as such it is the perfect subject of study for sociologists. A sociological study of human rights includes the study of the processes underlying the adoption of human rights principles. Analysis of the conception of human rights over time is another element of the sociological study of human rights. Sociologists from many epistemological backgrounds can make a contribution to the examination of human rights.
