George C. Homans

Harvard University

August 11, 1910 - May 29, 1989


Scientific Discipline: Social and Political Sciences
Membership Type:
Member (elected 1972)

George Caspar Homans was a prominent American sociologist whose research contributed greatly to the study of human interactions and social behavior. Homans is well known for his 1961 text, Social Behavior: Its Elementary Forms, in which he expands upon several “propositions” and their connection to the likelihood of individuals to behave in a certain manner. This text, rooted in principles of behavioral psychology, was undeniably influential in adapting these principles to sociological research and academia. Homans was additionally an important academic figure in the field of sociology. He held positions at a variety of institutions, his longest commitment being to his alma mater, Harvard University, where he was a professor of sociology for nearly two decades and was made chairman of the department in 1970.
Homans graduated from Harvard University in 1932 and earned his master’s degree from Cambridge University in 1955. After completing his undergraduate studies, he held a variety of teaching positions at Harvard until his retirement in 1970, except for a period when he was called to active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve between 1941 and 1945. In addition to the National Academy of Sciences, Homans also held memberships to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. In 1964 Homans was elected to the presidency of the American Sociological Association.

Powered by Blackbaud
nonprofit software