<P> Thomas also developed techniques of self - reporting life histories to provide subjective balance to the analysis . Park, Burgess, and McKenzie are credited with institutionalizing, if not establishing, sociology as a science . They are also criticized for their overly empiricist and idealized approach to the study of society but, in the inter-war years, their attitudes and prejudices were normative . Three broad themes characterized this dynamic period of Chicago studies: </P> <Ol> <Li> culture contact and conflict . This arises from Thomas and Znaniecki (1918) and studies how ethnic groups interact and compete in a process of community succession and institutional transformation (Hughes and Hughes: 1952). An important part of this work concerned African Americans; the work of E. Franklin Frazier (1932) and Drake and Cayton (1945) shaped white America's perception of black communities for decades . </Li> <Li> succession in community institutions as stakeholders and actors in the ebb and flow of ethnic groups . Cressey (1932) studied the dance hall and commercialized entertainment services, Kincheloe (1938) studied church succession, Janowitz (1952) studied the community press, and Hughes (1979) studied the real - estate board . </Li> <Li> city politics . Merriam's commitment to practical reform politics was matched by Gosnell who researched voting and other forms of participation . Gosnell (1935), Wilson (1960), Grimshaw (1992) considered African American politics, and Banfield and Wilson (1963) placed Chicago city politics in a broader context . </Li> </Ol> <Li> culture contact and conflict . This arises from Thomas and Znaniecki (1918) and studies how ethnic groups interact and compete in a process of community succession and institutional transformation (Hughes and Hughes: 1952). An important part of this work concerned African Americans; the work of E. Franklin Frazier (1932) and Drake and Cayton (1945) shaped white America's perception of black communities for decades . </Li> <Li> succession in community institutions as stakeholders and actors in the ebb and flow of ethnic groups . Cressey (1932) studied the dance hall and commercialized entertainment services, Kincheloe (1938) studied church succession, Janowitz (1952) studied the community press, and Hughes (1979) studied the real - estate board . </Li>

Chicago school of sociology cities and urban life