Sociology as political arithmetic ( the Glass Memorial lecture).

The article aims to understand the meaning of the inaugural address, The Application of Social Research, given by sociologist David Glass in order to reassert the potential of sociology as political arithmetic, to comment on progress or the lack of it, since he died in 1978, and to illustrate from the example of British higher education just as Glass did for urban planning at that time. The contemporary search for improved accountability derives more or less from the world of innocence in which, after World War II, Glass gave his inaugural address and the Welfare State was born. It was a world of common consensual goals. By general consent, a world fit for heroes and cripples was to be created, giving civilized substance to peace and justifying the sacrifices of war. Guaranteed public provision of health, education, and welfare were agreed as aims, and the means were thought possible. In Britain this meant a benign state, an uncorrupt bureaucracy and public-spirited professions. Government enjoyed remarkable credence. Political democracy rested on enthusiastic support, and belief was widespread that the will of the majority could be translated faithfully through the chain of democracy from the electorate through Parliament to the executive, and finally, to action.