Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/864

 REVIEWS.

Industrial Democracy. By SIDNEY and BEATRICE WEBB. Long- mans, Green & Co., 1897. 2 v l s - Pp. 9 2 9-

THESE strong volumes follow other notable studies by the same writers. This claims to be a sociological discussion. "Sociology, like all other sciences, can advance only upon the basis of a precise observation of actual facts ;" it is a science which deals with facts at first hand. The principle of classification of the vast mass of materials is the end of the associated persons, the direct intention with which the regulations were adopted. The methods of investigation are set forth. The authors began with the structure and functions of the unions, adopted a careful system of note taking, and sought knowledge from documents, personal observation, and interviews. They express a strong sense of the value of sociological investigation. "A knowledge of social facts and laws is indispensable for any intelligent and delib- erate human action. The whole of social life, the entire structure and functioning of society, consists of human intervention. The essential characteristic of civilized, as distinguished from savage, society is that these interventions are not impulsive, but deliberate ; for, though some sort of human society may get along upon instinct, civilization Depends upon organized knowledge of sociological facts and of the connections between them. And this knowledge must be sufficiently generalized to be capable of being diffused. We can all avoid being practical engineers or chemists ; but no consumer, producer, or citizen can avoid being a practical sociologist." The plea for funds to pursue investigation should be heard.

Part I deals with "Trade-Union Structure," primitive democracy, representative institutions, the unit of government, and inter-union relations. It may seem strange to some to look for real political les- sons in the long despised trade unions. But most interesting experi- ments have been tried with the assembly of members, the initiative and referendum. The general tendency has been toward representative government for all large and general plans. In industrial associations

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