ABSTRACT
Becker foresaw at an early point the dangers of sociology evolving into a pale replica of a science. It would be necessary to restrain this impulse before it got out of hand. Sociologists of work, and of professions less concerned with aesthetic issues, read Becker's work rather later and found it less attractive. He has been considered as an author of original, but atypical, ideas by the disciples of Alain Touraine and Michel Crozier. His influence is reflected in a book of tributes offered by French sociologists under the leadership of Alain Pessin and Alain Blanc, where five out of the ten chapters discuss Becker's approach to art. He has worked at the highest level since his student days. He has long been exposed to international currents in the home of Thomas, Park, and Hughes. The Chicago School was open to the world and its students were encouraged to travel.
