Park Robert

Park Robert

(1864-1944) influential US sociologist and Professor of Sociology at the University of Chicago. As well as writing, with Ernest Burgess, a major general textbook on sociology (Introduction to the Science of Society), he is best remembered for his contributions to URBAN SOCIOLOGY and to the study of race relations. Park studied under William James and also under WINDELBAND and SIMMEL. His general sociology was eclectic, combining insights drawn from a variety of American and European sources. Along with other members of the CHICAGO SCHOOL, his influence on research methods was to attach a new importance to empirical studies in sociology, especially studies based on PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION.