Harrison White

Lore & Background

Harrison White is a central figure in relational sociology, a collection of sociological theories that emphasize relationalism over substantivalism. The source directly connects his work to the development of relational sociology in the United States, alongside Charles Tilly. During the 1990s, White was concentrated at the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Center for the Social Sciences at Columbia University, where he hosted several conferences discussing the themes of time, language, identities, and networks. These conferences were part of the emergence of what Ann Mische calls the New York School of relational sociology. White's book *Identity and Control* is listed as a milestone in relational sociology in a 2008 symposium. In September 2008, the Humboldt University of Berlin hosted an international symposium on relational sociology organized by Jan Fuhse, which centered on the work of Harrison White. Presenters included John Levi Martin, Patrik Aspers, Eiko Ikegami, Ann Mische, Stephan Fuchs, and Sophie Muetzel.

Reader's Guide

Harrison White's significance in relational sociology is established by his direct connection to the New York School and his role in hosting conferences at the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Center for the Social Sciences at Columbia University during the 1990s. These conferences focused on time, language, identities, and networks, key themes in relational sociology. His book *Identity and Control* is recognized as a milestone in the field. The 2008 international symposium at Humboldt University of Berlin, which centered on his work, further underscores his influence. All statements here are drawn directly from the provided source.

Did You Know?

• Harrison White is most directly connected to relational sociology in the United States.
• White hosted several conferences at the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Center for the Social Sciences at Columbia University during the 1990s.
• His book *Identity and Control* is cited as a milestone in relational sociology.
• The 2008 international symposium on relational sociology at Humboldt University of Berlin centered on the work of Harrison White.
• White is a key figure in what Ann Mische refers to as the New York School of relational sociology.