ABSTRACT
The American Sociological Society began as a group of scholars, formed for the purpose of exchanging knowledge and research-based ideas. Its objective was to advance the discipline of sociology, and it retained that focus through the 1950s. Since the 1950s, ASA has expanded its activities beyond its original disciplinary focus. It has taken more interest in nondisciplinary activities and has expended effort and resources on them. It has become not just a body of scholar/researchers, but increasingly a professional association. ASA’s emphasis on applied sociological practice has grown, as has its attention to devising formal ways to improve under graduate teaching. The Association has also become more responsive to political interests of its membership. It has supported the pursuit of social justice in the world at large. It has taken steps to democratize its own struc ture, seeking more representation and participation of previously excluded or disadvantaged groups as ends in themselves.
