This book represents the first comprehensive century-long history of the disciplinary development of sociology in Serbia in English. It provides an overview of the constitution of sociology as an academic discipline during the interwar period, its reinstitutionalization after World War II in entirely new social circumstances marked by establishment of self-management socialism in Yugoslavia, and finally its development during the turbulent postsocialist period. Divided into five chapters, the focus of the book is on the challenges that sociology has faced in order to maintain its institutional position, gain adequate social recognition, and preserve its professional autonomy. Relying on Bourdieu's concept of the academic field and Burawoy's typology of Professional, Critical, Public and Policy sociology, the book seeks to answer the question of how the sociological academic field in Serbia has been constituted, structured and restructured, and in which of these roles sociology hasdominantly appeared in different phases of its evolution.

Dr Ivana Spasi is full Professor at the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade. Her areas of interest are social theory, cultural sociology, postsocialism, and discourse in society. 

Dr Jelena Pe¨i is Assistant Professor at the Department for Sociology of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade.  She has authored and co-authored two monographs and a number of papers in journals and edited volumes. 

Dr Marija Babovi is full Professor at the Department for Sociology of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade. She has been lecturing Economic Sociology, Sociology of Work, Contemporary Economic Migration and Sustainable Development. Her main area of research is socio-economic development with particular focus on gender equality, employment, and social inclusion.

1. Introduction.- 2. Uncertain Beginnings: Sociology in Serbia until 1945.- 3. State Science or State Enemy? Sociology in Serbia under Communist Rule (1945-1991).- 4. The Post-socialist Period: Finding its Place in a New World.- 5. Conclusion.