Rediscovering Léon Gérin, the first sociologist of Canada
Any inquiry into the history of a scientific discipline poses the question of the precursors and the founder. In Quebec and across Canada, Léon Gérin was first awarded the status of “precursor” and then that of the “first Canadian sociologist.” The article has three parts. In the first part, the author discusses the rediscovery of Léon Gérin in the 1960s. In part two, he shows that a rereading of Gérin is, still today, of enormous scientific and institutional relevance. Finally, with reference to his own research, the author shows that the full breadth of the work of Léon Gérin has yet to be uncovered. For example, he asks: “Why Le Play and not Durkheim?” To conclude: there are several good reasons to remember and rediscover Léon Gérin.