The relationship between history and sociology: Boundaries, possibilities and Marshall Hodgson

The impact of the disciplines of history and sociology on each other can be traced in the continuation of historiography debates and sociological paradigms over common themes. Although they have differences in method, the two disciplines need each other due to their limitations. Marshall Hodgson received his Ph.D. from the Committee on Social Thought, an interdisciplinary institution at the University of Chicago, at a time when disciplines were converging, and hybrid workspaces were beginning to emerge. Continuing to work at the same university, he both witnessed the transformation in educational activities and contributed to the shaping of the other interdisciplinary institutions within the University of Chicago. In this thesis, Hodgson's life, works, and method, interdisciplinary readings, and criticisms of the Eurocentric understanding of history and social sciences of his time are examined. Based on the historian's correspondence and acquaintances, biographical information about him is contributed to the literature, and his understanding of history and social sciences are discussed in the context of the period in which he lived and in comparison with other approaches.