ABSTRACT
John Rogers Commons was born in Richmond, Indiana in 1862.1 After graduating from Oberlin College, in 1888 he began studying his PhD at Johns Hopkins University under Richard T. Ely. However, he failed to complete his PhD and took up a number of teaching positions in economics and sociology. His early life as an academic was marred by difficulties. At Syracuse University in 1899, his chair in sociology was ended by withdrawal of funds, because of his alleged ‘radical tendencies’. With no hope of another academic position, Commons entered a period of research work for government, trade unions and political parties. His own thinking was transformed during this period (Gonce, 2002). His writings earned him some fame and respect. Eventually, with the help of Ely, he returned to academia by securing a position at the University of Wisconsin in 1904. He was to remain there until his retirement in 1932.
