James Samuel Coleman

James Samuel Coleman May 12, 1926 – March 25, 1995 was an American sociologist, theorist, & empirical researcher, based chiefly at a University of Chicago.

He was elected president of the American Sociological Association in 1991. He studied the sociology of education as well as public policy, and was one of the earliest users of the term social capital. His Foundations of Social Theory influenced sociological theory. His The Adolescent Society 1961 and "Coleman Report" Equality of Educational Opportunity, 1966 were two of the almost cited books in educational sociology. The landmark Coleman report helped transform educational theory, reorient national education policies, and it influenced public and scholarly impression regarding the role of schooling in establish equality and productivity in the United States. [1]

Legacy

Coleman was a pioneer in the construction of mathematical models in sociology with his book, Introduction to Mathematical Sociology 1964. His later treatise, Foundations of Social Theory 1990, portrayed major contributions toward a more rigorous throw of theorizing in sociology based on rational choice. Coleman wrote more than thirty books and published many articles. He also created an educational corporation that developed and marketed "mental games" aimed at enhancement the abilities of disadvantaged students. Coleman presented it a practice to send his almost controversial research findings "to his worst critics" prior to their publication, calling it "the best way to ensure validity."

At the time of his death, he was engaged in a long-term explore titled the High School and Beyond, which examined the lives and careers of 75,000 people who had been high school juniors and seniors in 1980.

Coleman published lasting theories of education, which helped breed the field. With his focus on the allocation of rights, one can understand the conflict between rights. Towards the end of his life, Coleman questioned how to make the education systems more accountable, which caused educators to question their use and interpretation of standardized testing.

Coleman's publication of the "Coleman Report" talked greatly influential findings that pioneered aspects of the desegregation of American public schools. His theories of integration also contributed. He also raised the effect of narrowing the educational gap between those who had money and others. By creating a well-rounded student body, a student's educational experience can be greatly benefited.