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Helen LyndAmerican sociologist and social philosopher
Date of Birth: 17.03.1896
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Helen Lind
Helen Merrill Lind was an American sociologist and social philosopher. She was born on March 17, 1896, in La Grange, Illinois, to Edward Tracy Merrell, the editor of the Congregationalist publication 'The Advance', and Mabel Waite Merrell. Growing up, her parents focused heavily on religion, neglecting humanitarian and social issues.
Education and Early Career
After completing elementary and middle school in La Grange, Helen moved with her family to Framingham, Massachusetts, where her father found new employment. She attended Wellesley College, where she developed a love for philosophy. She excelled academically and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1919.
After leaving Wellesley, Helen spent a year at the Ossining School for Girls. It was during a trip to the mountains that she met Robert S. Lynd, who was involved in the publishing business. They got married in September 1922. Helen then worked as a teacher at Miss Master's School in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
Research and Career
Helen obtained a Master's degree in history from Columbia University in 1923 and subsequently earned a Doctor of Theology degree. During her studies, she visited oil fields in the western United States where her husband was a missionary. Witnessing the harsh working conditions of the laborers sparked her interest in the sociological aspects of small industrial towns.
In the mid-1920s, Helen organized a series of studies on small towns for the Institute of Social and Religious Research. As a result, the institute hired her to conduct a more comprehensive study on the religious life in a typical small industrial town in America. Helen and Robert chose Muncie, Indiana, for their research. They explored various aspects of the town, including employment, housing, education, leisure, and social activities. Their findings revealed class differences, with the upper classes leading a lavish lifestyle while the working class struggled to meet their material needs while maintaining hope that hard work would improve their social and economic status.
Although the Institute of Social and Religious Research was not pleased with the Lind family's work, Harcourt Brace & Company published their book, titled 'Middletown: A Study in Contemporary American Culture'. The book was successful and set a new standard for sociological research. Critics saw it as evidence of the decline of American culture, while sociologists recognized the effective research techniques employed. Unfortunately, due to gender inequality in the scientific community at the time, Robert received more recognition for the book than Helen.
Helen joined the faculty of Sarah Lawrence College in 1928, where she remained until her retirement in 1964. She played a significant role in the development of innovative teaching methods at the college. In 1944, Helen earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Columbia University. Her dissertation, which explored social and material changes between the upper and lower classes in England during the period of industrial and economic growth, was published in 1945. She continued to publish influential works, including a study on guilt and shame and their impact on human personality.
Helen Lind passed away on January 30, 1982, in Warren, Ohio. Her contributions to sociology and her dedication to understanding social and cultural issues continue to inspire scholars in the field.
