Ball, Michael R.2009-05-192009-05-191988-01-01Mid-American Review of Sociology, Volume 13, Number 2 (WINTER, 1988), pp. 57-68 http://dx.doi.org/10.17161/STR.1808.5037https://hdl.handle.net/1808/5037In 1904, with the publication of A History of Matrimonial Institutions, George Elliott H?ward became an internationally recognized expert on ~amage and family. Howard's work marked the start of serious sociological studr of mamage and family at the University of Nebraska, a tradition that contmues to the present day. This paper introduces Howard's theoretical perspective on marriage as a social institution, locates his work within a new wave of empirically rigorous and intellectually robust American soclology, and notes Howard's practical focus as a sociological spokesperson on the divorce question."enCopyright (c) Social Thought and Research. For rights questions please contact Editor, Department of Sociology, Social Thought and Research, Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045.Article10.17161/STR.1808.5037openAccess