ABSTRACT
Respect for the historical record requires also attention to the controversies and crises that punctuated Pitirim Sorokin’s long journey. This chapter examines the relationship between Sorokin and the American academic context in which he spent most of his professional life. Occupational identities may be regarded as products of symbolic interaction. Once formed, identities remain malleable and vulnerable, as members of groups continually monitor one another’s activities. Ongoing displays of correct identity are therefore required in order to remain in good standing. Sorokin’s scientific work was initially presented to American audiences in the form of public lectures. By publicly certifying his works as outstanding scientific achievements the profession, along with Sorokin, created the individual identity of “member worthy of promotion.” Through appointments as associate editor of several sociology journals, he became more fully integrated into the upper strata of the profession.
