ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the question of how a creative public sociology that will make positive contributions to society can be developed. It analyses Pitirim A. Sorokin's system of sociology, including his idea of integralism. The system of sociology contained in Sorokin's writings is based on a comprehensive program of professional sociology. Sorokin's formulation of the frame of reference of sociology and its application in various special sociologies provides a foundation for professional sociology that is broad in its scope and powerful in its analytic potential. A contribution of Sorokin's system of sociology is a strong emphasis on both theoretical development and empirical research. The foundational idea of integralism is that the reality that is the subject matter of the social sciences contains empirical-sensory, rational-mindful, and superrational-supersensory components. Sorokin's critical sociology encompasses two areas. The first is his evaluation of the state of professional sociology, the second his formulation of the alternative of integralism, particularly with reference to its value premises.
