Goldthorpe - Pioneers of Sociological Science

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John H. Goldthorpe 2021

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First published 2021

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For Bess

As I explain in the Introduction, this book can be thought of as a prequel to my Sociology as a Population Science (2016), and first of all, I have to acknowledge the intellectual stimulus that was provided by all those who have commented on this earlier work, whether appreciatively or critically, in print or in conversation.

In the Introduction, I also note that I initially raised the idea of this book with my colleague Erzsbet Bukodi. She was enthusiastic and encouraging, and her support continued throughout the writing of the book, despite this at times threatening to impede progress on our concurrent research projects. Erzsbet has readily helped me in all aspects of the work involved, from discussions about difficult substantive issues to the resolving of word-processing problems often ones of my own making. I am indeed fortunate, and deeply grateful, to have someone close by who can be so surely relied upon to meet any situation, however disturbing it may seem, at least to me, with a positive and constructive response.

A second colleague to whom I owe a special debt is David Cox. He read the entire first draft of the book when I am sure he could have been doing many other things of greater importance and made a series of valuable comments.