Vladimir bekhterev and Pitirim Sorokin – scientific alliance in the name of sociology

Based on the analysis of historical sources, the authors present the history of cooperation between two outstanding scientists of the early 20th century – Vladimir M. Bekhterev and Pitirim A. Sorokin – who had the common goal of establishing sociology as a new science in Russia. Courage and conviction of V. M. Bekhterev helped him open Russia’s first department of sociology as part of the Psychoneurological Institute, where a young scientist, P. A. Sorokin, successfully took his first steps into science. Throughout this creative partnership, Vladimir M. Bekhterev not only made an institutional contribution but also shaped the direction of empirical research. He examined pressing social issues such as famine, war, epidemics and crime from a psychiatric and physiological perspective. Pitirim A. Sorokin, on the other hand, conducted comprehensive sociological analyses of these phenomena, which later became an integral part of his scientific legacy. Bekhterev and Sorokin shared a deep and trusting friendship, and their collaboration faced challenges during turbulent historical periods. However, they remained steadfast in their commitment to defend sociology as a science and an academic discipline. Their work also emphasized the impact of famine on human behavior and society. Bekhterev and Sorokin’s research remained dedicated to human values, understanding the human condition, and social justice, continuing to inspire future generations of scholars and serving as a guiding light through various historical epochs.