Corner Society (Book)

Street Corner Society (original title: Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum) was written by American sociologist William Foote Whyte. It is a work based on ethnographic field research in urban anthropology. The study examined the structure of neighborhood life social relationships and their organizational patterns through observation in an Italian immigrant neighborhood in Boston.

Themes and Approach

Method and Scope

The study employed participant observation. Throughout his fieldwork Whyte observed interactions among different social groups dependency relations and the functioning of power structures. The research revealed that the seemingly complex network of social relationships contained an internal order.

It is noted that Whyte conducted his observations directly within his research setting and analyzed social interactions from this embedded position. Whyte experienced both the advantages and potential pitfalls of participant observation during the research process. A reflective account of this experience is included in the appendix of the study.

Social Structure and Relationships

The study analyzes the social structure and interpersonal relationships in an Italian immigrant neighborhood in Boston. Observations focus on the functioning of small groups local organizations and power dynamics. The research highlights the organization of daily life forms of community solidarity and the structure of local authority.

Sections

The book opens with the chapter titled Cornerville and Its People. It is primarily divided into three main parts:

• Part One: Street Corner Boys and College Boys: This section comprises three chapters titled Doc and the Street Corner Gang Chick and His Club Social Structure and Social Mobility.
• Part Two: Gangsters and Politicians: This section comprises three chapters titled The Social Structure of Gangsterism Gangsterism in Cornerville The Social and Athletic Club Politics and Social Structure.
• Part Three: Conclusions: This section addresses the themes The Gang and the Individual Social Structure and the Fundamental Problem of Cornerville.

The appendix of the book includes The Development of Street Corner Society The Impact of Whyte on a Marginalized Individual and Selected Bibliography.

About the Author

William Foote Whyte (1914–2000) was an American sociologist who served as president of the American Sociological Association. He made significant contributions to urban anthropology through the method of participant observation and conducted field research in Boston for Street Corner Society.