W.E.A. LECTURES

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 4, 5 July 1922, Page 2

W.E.A. LECTURES

'Hie Workers' Educational Association class in sociology (under Professor Hunter) has just finished the first section of the work—that dealing with tho nature of the forces that maintain society, tha£ continue it from generation to generation, and that enable it to develop and progress—the preservative, reproductive, and constructive forces. One.of the features of our age is the number, magnitude, and complexity of the social problems with which "we are faced, and no study therefore" deserves more attention or evokes a more lively interest in those that follow it. It is in immediate contact with the life of tho people.

So for the lectures have dealt with the nature of sociology, ite place in thd social sciences, and its relation to tlia art of government and social control; the economic forces underlying the social system that, full into the two great' groups —the positive, seeking pleasure ;" the negative, avoiding pain; the reproductive forces, direct and indirect, and the forces that sustain creative work in thought, feeling, and action. The general manner in which these forces by interaction have produced various forma of organisation (social status) and the moans by which social development and progress take place (social dynamics) have been outlined; the distinction between progress due to genetic action (movement from behind) and progress due to telic action (by purpose or thought) lias been indicated and stress laid on the fact that so far progress ha 4 been largely due to the work of individuals who had initiative and enthusiasm enough- to struggle against the conservative and reactionary forces of their day. Social telesis—society consciously working for a, social purpose—has not yet made very much headway.

The discussions at the meetings hava given evidence of keen"- interest and thoughtful study of the students. Tha hour is usually far too short for a full discussion of all the points raised, for many can contribute out of their own experiences illustrations of the working of social laws. It is proposed, now to consider the origin, nature," and development of the more important social institutions, e.g., family, State, church, property, anci the organisation and social influence on labour, capital, and finance; the press, and similar systems'of forces. If possible, there will also be some open lectures on matters of sociological interest. . ".. : . ; ... ",. ■.. .-.