Luther and Jessie Bernard: Values and positivist developments in Origins of American Sociology and Luther’s “Onion Skins”

This article discusses the works and continued relevance of Luther (1881–1951) and Jessie Bernard (1903–1996). The two sociologists devoted themselves to providing a unique and comprehensive history of positivist developments in American sociology. Although the Bernards’ historical research has been almost entirely forgotten, their work shed light on important intellectual conflicts, the effects of which can be felt in sociological discourse today. This article emphasizes the importance of historical self-reflexivity by way of consideration of two important works put forth by the Bernards: Origins of American Sociology (OAS), and an unpublished project which became known as Luther’s “Onion Skins.” Throughout the article, I rely on both published works as well as archive material from the Special Collections Library at Pennsylvania State University.