Review: Johann Bacher, Waltraud Kannonier-Finster & Meinrad Ziegler (Eds.) (2024). Marie Jahoda. Rekonstruktionen meiner Leben [Marie Jahoda. Reconstructions of My Lives]

Abstract

Marie JAHODA is considered one of the most influential social scientists of the 20th century. In the book "Rekonstruktionen meiner Leben," BACHER, KANNONIER-FINSTER and Meinrad ZIEGLER offer not only deep insights into her personal history, but also into her scholarly work and its relevance to current societal challenges. They combined biographical reconstructions with critical reflections on social research, identity, and political developments. Particularly noteworthy are the letters by Marie JAHODA that document her intellectual and emotional engagement with themes such as flight, exile, and return. These writings reveal her political stance as well as her methodological precision and tireless commitment to social justice. The book is complemented by an essay from Lotte BAILYN, JAHODA's daughter, who reflects on familial and academic influences and highlights the continuity of Marie JAHODA's research legacy. This publication powerfully illustrates the lasting impact of JAHODA's work—not only within social science, but also in broader societal discourse surrounding social inequality, identity, and political responsibility. In an era of increasing social and political polarization, her work remains highly relevant.