The Sociology of Wilhelm Baldamus

Paradox and Inference

Wilhelm 'Gi' Baldamus (1908-1991) was one of the most distinctive voices in British sociology in the second half of the twentieth century. He made major contributions to both industrial sociology and sociological theory, yet many of his central concerns remain under-explored. This volume is the first of its kind to engage with these questions and Baldamus’ responses, in combination with the publication of two of Baldamus's own later writings never before printed in English. A substantial biographical introduction by the editors situates this work within the context of Baldamus’s life both before and after his exile from Nazi Germany, adding background to the exploration of his concerns that research should be underpinned by meticulous theoretical and conceptual work. It will be of interest to sociologists, social theorists, intellectual historians, and those working in the field of social science research methods.'