A Forgotten Figure: Hans L. Zetterberg at Columbia and the Transfer of Knowledge Between the United States and Sweden

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to provide a biographical sketch the late Hans L. Zetterberg and historical background translation an essay based on lecture given by in Stockholm 1995. In it, he recounts his time at Department Sociology Columbia University years 1953–1964. This full insights into inspiring formative period for United States, particularly stimulating milieu that was Columbia, center American sociology led Robert K. Merton Paul Lazarsfeld. introduction translated essay, I give brief overview establishment as discipline Sweden, transfer knowledge between States Sweden (and Europe, more broadly), embodied Zetterberg. post-WWII years, sociology, which had strong positivistic imprint, played important role shaping beginnings Swedish sociology. However, went both ways, with Zetterberg, semi-central often neglected figure, being significant contributor its greatest prominence, native Sweden.