The three eras ofThe American Sociologist

This article outlines the history ofThe American Sociologist from its inception more than fifty years ago to the present. The views of its first editor, L.L. Bernard, reflected one side of the humanist-scientist split that would characterize sociology for generations to come. The second phase of TAS was sponsored by the ASA, under the successive guidance of several editors, each with differing priorities regarding the nature of the journal. Amid increasing conflict regarding content, TAS was dropped by the ASA Council in 1982. In 1987 TAS resumed publication under the sponsorship of Transaction Periodicals. Its challenge is to provide a forum for all viewpoints without alienating its potential audience.