Sorokhin, Pitirim Alexandrovich (1889–1968)

Russian-born sociologist who worked in the USA. His detailed knowledge of history, including first-hand experience of the Russian Revolutions of 1917, led him to make an analysis of macro social change.

In Social and Cultural Dynamics 1937–41, he perceived recurring patterns of change within the history of civilization. He saw the current age as being in a crisis of hedonism and violence which could only be cured by altruism.