Acta Sociologica publishes papers on high-quality innovative sociology, carried out from different theoretical and methodological starting points, in the form of full-length original articles and review essays, as well as book reviews and commentaries. Articles that present Nordic sociology or help mediate between Nordic and international scholarly discussions are encouraged.

ACTA SOCIOLOGICA 50 YEARS; HIGHLIGHTING NORDIC SOCIOLOGY

In the first number of ACTA SOCIOLOGICA that the Danish editors were responsible for, we joyfully announced that our commission was to cover the 50th years celebration of ACTA. The celebration starts now (Vol 48 No 4) as the very first number of ACTA appeared in late 1955, and the volume extended into 1956. We would like to cite the following paragraph from the introduction authored by Karl O. Christiansen, Sverre Holm, Torgny Segerstedt, and Heikke Waris:

This first number of Acta Sociologica is dedicated to the memory of Theodor Geiger. Through his birth he created connexions between Scandinavian and international research, through his fate he came to inspire sociologists both in Denmark and in Sweden. Through his wide interests and his authority he inspired respect for sociological research. His life came to be a declaration of the program of the Acta Sociologica, whose actual founder he is (1955:1).

50 years have now passed, but as we also declared in our first announcement we are proud to continue in the footsteps of Theodor Geiger and continue the efforts to create connections between Nordic sociology and international research. We will do so by highlighting spots of Nordic sociology, and in that purpose we have invited review essays in order to feature some outstanding Nordic sociologists. The coverage will not be perfect for the reason that there are more outstanding Nordic sociologists than we possibly can cover for space reason. The editors are responsible for the selection, and, not the least, that there are willing contributors who have the vision and the format to author such essays.

In this number, Björn Eriksson, professor of sociology at Örebro University, Sweden, initiates the anniversary series in featuring Johan Asplund, a legendary Swedish sociologist whose writings have inspired generations of sociology students. As very few of Asplund´s writings have appeared in English, we are happy – in the spirit of Geiger – to serve as a belt of transmission between Scandinavia and international research.

The Editors