British Sociological Association

The British Sociological Association was founded in 1951, following several meetings held in London, on the initiative of a number of university Professors, including A M Carr-Saunders, D V Glass, V G Childe, Raymond Firth and M Fortes. The Association was aimed at 'promoting interest in sociology, and advancing its study and application in this country, and at encouraging contact and co-operation between workers in all relevant fields of inquiry', bringing together those who were interested in the sociological aspect of their own field of study. The membership of the Association continues to be drawn from a wide range of interest groups, including research, teaching, postgraduates, undergraduates, and practitioners in many professional fields. The BSA promotes the exchange of ideas and information both through it's publications, most notably the journal 'Sociology', and through study groups, Summer Schools and the Postgraduate Forum (a network for postgraduate students). It actively promotes professional standards, advising individuals and institutions, and producing guidelines. It also contributes to policy development in related areas of research and training.