Thomas, William I.

Thomas, William I. (Isaac)

(1863–1947) sociologist; born in Russell County, Va. He began as an English professor at Oberlin College (1889–95) before getting a Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Chicago. Dismissed from the University of Chicago faculty (1894–1918) after a sex scandal, he never again held a permanent appointment, but obtained research funding and visiting professorships. An empiricist, he helped to make sociology a scientific discipline; he also pioneered the study of social psychology. His most important books were Source Book for Social Origins (1909) and The Polish Peasant in Europe and America (coauthored, 5 vols. 1918–20).