| dc.description.abstract | Abstract This study considers the life and career of Professor Samuel A. Stouffer (1900-1960) as it relates to the landmark sociological work Studies in Social Psychology in World War II, Volumes I and II, more commonly known as The American Soldier. During the Second World War, Dr. Stouffer served as an expert consultant to the Secretary of War in his capacity as chief social science analyst of the US Army's Research Branch, Information and Education Division. Stouffer and his colleagues surveyed approximately half a million soldiers to determine their attitudes, and the information Stouffer provided on attitudes had a profound effect on policy; influencing the content of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, the awards system, demobilization plans, and scores of other aspects of personnel management, from race to the content of propaganda films. Although Stouffer's immediate task was one of social engineering, his study represented the largest sociological survey conducted up to that time, and business, science, government, and a host of other institutions and agencies were quick to recognize the value of both the information he presented and his survey research techniques. In addition to exploring the impulses which gave rise to The American Soldier, how was it perceived, planned, and executed, and how it affected institutions and disciplines, this study also tracks the trajectory of Stouffer's life and work and his effect on sociology, government policy, business, and the identity of American soldiers. Stouffer represents the rise of the expert and the growing importance of research over intuition as a basis of knowledge in both the American military and the United States as a whole in the twentieth century. He also represents what the United States was willing to bring to bear, in addition to traditional means, to ensure victory in World War II. | |
