William Graham Sumner was an American clergyman, social scientist, and a prominent figure in the development of sociology and economics. Born on October 30, 1840, in Paterson, New Jersey, he was educated at Yale University, University of Oxford, University of Geneva, and University of Göttingen. Sumner is best known for his role as a professor at Yale, where he held the nation's first chair in sociology. His influence on the discipline was profound, shaping the way social science was taught in the United States. As a leading advocate of neoclassical liberalism, he promoted the idea of individualism and minimal government intervention in social affairs. His philosophy emphasized that social classes were not obligated to support each other and critiqued welfare policies, viewing them as detrimental to both the wealthy and the poor. Sumner's ideas significantly influenced economists and social theorists like Thorstein Veblen and Irving Fisher. He passed away on April 12, 1910, in Englewood, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape discussions around social policy and economic thought. Sumner's work, including his critique of social welfare, remains influential in debates about the role of government in society.
