The Sociological Souls of Black Folk

By lifting up out of the scholarly reservoir the essays of Du Bois, Wortham (North Carolina Central Univ.) calls attention to one of the most significant works by one of the most gifted scholars of sociological thought in the modern era. Wortham's contribution raises one major academic question immediately: why has Du Bois not been given the academic accolades of other scholarly giants in the discipline of sociology? Wortham makes the point that The Souls of Black Folk has been mostly viewed as a classic in African American literature, or for scholars studying the African American experience. But it has not been seriously considered a major scholarly contribution within the discipline of sociology. Also, why are not Du Bois's works, especially the essays, a part of the core curriculum within the discipline of sociology, including a focus on Du Bois's research methodology and conceptual and analytical skills as demonstrated in the essays? Wortham's presentation, including the reconstructed essays, makes one of the most significant contributions to the modern era of sociological thought. And he raises a most significant question: where is Du Bois's place among the discipline's scholarly giants, such as Tönnies, Weber, Parson, and Durkheim? Summing Up: Essential. All academic levels/libraries. * CHOICE *
From now on, no one can deny the sociological nature of DuBois work. Professor Wortham has forced the hands of sociologists by bringing back the eight original sociological essays—and other eight contextual pieces—upon which The Souls of Black Folk was based. And his astute 'Introduction' makes readers appreciate DuBois’s pioneering work in several sociological fields and his use of various methodologies. Bravo for a job well-done! -- Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Duke University; author of Racism Without Racists
The study proves that we still have much to learn from Du Bois. Wortham's imaginative book is the first to examine key sociological issues in eight essays, the sociological core, of The Souls of Black Folk, supplemented by eight additional sociological essays which Du Bois published during the same period. The sixteen essays, together with Wortham's incisive and lucid commentary, complete an excellent addition to the growing Du Bois literature. Although sociologists are not noted for their eloquent exposition, this book is a rare exception. -- Dan Green, co-editor of On Sociology and the Black Community
This book offers us positive proof that Du Bois's contributions to the origins and evolution of American sociology extend far beyond The Philadelphia Negro and urban sociology. Perhaps the most stunning feature of The Sociological Souls of Black Folk is the often-overlooked fact that Du Bois's sociological discourse may very well prove to be the epitome of what makes American sociology thoroughly 'American'—that is to say, his unrepentant emphasis on race, gender, class, and culture within the context of the United States. Robert Wortham should be openly applauded, because here he reprints another classic Du Bois collection that will undoubtedly make a major contribution to those bold souls who sincerely seek to understand the real roots of American sociology. -- Reiland Rabaka