William Graham Sumner
- Born:
- October 30, 1840, Paterson, New Jersey, USA
- Died:
- April 12, 1910, Englewood, New Jersey, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Sociologist, Political Economist, Professor
Early Life and Education
- Sumner's father, Thomas Sumner, was an English immigrant.
- Graduated from Yale College in 1863.
- Studied theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
- Further studies at the Universities of Göttingen and Oxford.
Career and Major Achievements
- Ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1869.
- Served as a professor of political and social science at Yale University from 1872 until his death.
- Pioneered the field of sociology in the United States.
- Developed the concept of ethnocentrism.
- Advocated for laissez-faire economics and individual liberty.
Notable Works
- What Social Classes Owe to Each Other (1883)
- Folkways (1906) - His most influential work, exploring customs and traditions.
- Numerous essays and articles on political economy, sociology, and ethics.
- Many have explored different perspectives on William G. Sumner biography books.
Legacy and Impact
William Graham Sumner was a highly influential sociologist and political economist known for his strong advocacy of laissez-faire economics and his contributions to the study of social customs and institutions. His work on ethnocentrism and folkways remains relevant in the social sciences today.