Abstract
This article discusses the method of analysis of social structure, one of the most important problems in general sociology. Prof. Robert M. MacIver's important contributions in this field are analyzed as they appear in such works as : Community 1917, Elements of Social Science 1921, Society, its Structure and Changes 1931, Society, an Introductory Analysis 1949 (with Prof. Charles H. Page) and so on.
1. Following Ratzenhoher Prof. MacIver calls the motive forces of human conducts interests and classifies them from the standpoint of social relationships. He bases his analysis of social structure upon them.
2. He classifies the major types of social groups of a whole social structure from the standpoint of the range and nature of interests involved and the degree of groups organization as follows; (1) communities (tribe, country, city, nation etc.), (2) more or less spontaneous configurations responsive to various interests that develops within the community (social class, ethnic or racial groups, crowd), (3) associations (family, club, church, trade union, school, state etc.).
3. He also classifies these associations in accordance with many specific interests which they serve.
This article attempts a critical evaluation of these classifications. It is to be noted that the concepts of social relationships in his sociology include interests. On this point Prof. MacIlver's Sociology differs from G. Simmel's “Formal Sociology” in Germany.
