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The institute, Groupe d’Étude des Méthodes de l’Analyse Sociologique, is a research laboratory (UMR 8598) affiliated with the University of Paris-Sorbonne (Paris- IV) and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS).

Raymond BOUDON was the Director from 1972 to 1998. Mohamed CHERKAOUI is the current Director.

GEMAS brings together sociologists engaged in research and teaching (principally at Paris-IV) and attracts numerous doctoral and post-doctoral students. The aim of the institute is the extension of empirical sociological knowledge within an evolving theoretical framework. There are three dominant registers of reflection : general sociological theory ; the epistemological and methodological foundations of the social, physical and life sciences ; and finally, the application of theory and methodology to the domains of collective action, norms, values, culture, mores, argumentation, knowledge, education, art, and social stratification.

Concern for sociological theory is linked to : (1) dimensions of social action ; and (2) specific forms of knowledge and rationality, and their consequences. The distinction between instrumental and axiological rationality comprises one of the institute’s central research orientations. GEMAS researchers notably seek to contribute to the sociological understanding of the epistemology and methodology that underpins the social, physical and the life sciences.

Emphasis on sociological theory and methodology by GEMAS has yielded studies in the following domains : (1) the centrality of the tension between methodological individualism and holism in many epistemology-connected debates ; (2) mathematical modeling and statistical analyses of social mobility, stratification and inequality ; (3) identification of basic generative mechanisms of macro-phenomena ; (4) connections between theories of explanation and theories of understanding ; (5) theories of proof and theories of experimental control.

Empirical research carried out on the basis of these theoretical and methodological reflections has permitted the elucidation of : mechanisms of conviction and self-persuasion ; modalities of transmission and permanence of social values ; the evolution of educational systems, with reference to social mobility, growth and innovation ; the transformation of academia ; the renovation of secondary school education and development of new strategies ; the appearance of new forms of collective action, including the crisis of trade unions and weakness of new social initiatives ; configurations of public action in France and unintended consequences ; and the demographic and strategic transformations of communities of scientists and the transformation of their intellectual products.

The aspiration to develop a novel theoretical pole entails constant reference to the classical texts of sociology. Accordingly, the members of GEMAS have published abundantly in the history of sociology, and more generally, the history of science. Beyond their contributions through publication and teaching, GEMAS members participate actively in the organization of seminars and international conferences.