An important contribution to research of doctor Archibald Reiss’ person and work and the importance of reactualizing his messages and warnings to the modern generation of Serbs

The paper reviews the scientific monograph by professor Uros Suvakovic, PhD, R. A. Reiss: Neutrality is not possible in the face of crime, which had two editions in a very short period of only two months. By analyzing the content of this monograph, the author points to its significance as a sociological text, as well as the originality of Suvakovic’s reading of Reiss’ works, particularly the most important one in our country - Listen Serbs! - as а sociological analysis of Serbian (Yugoslav) society between the two wars, while Suvakovic claims Reiss’ contribution to a series of separate sociologies (historical sociology, political sociology, sociology of religion, social pathology and criminology to sociology of upbringing and education, conflictology and characterology of Serbian society). The author of the paper also advocates the view that it is necessary to reaffirm Reiss’ ideas on modern Serbian society facing problems similar to those it also faced in the period after the First World War, which was particularly seen in the period of accelerated transition in Serbia after the 5th October changes. At the same time, it is emphasized that Suvakovic’s monograph is a valuable scientific contribution both to sociology and ethics of the profession, while it is also an example of the achieved methodological approach in scientific research. In that respect, the author draws adequate conclusions and gives a recommendation to the current educational authorities to include Reiss’ testamentary book Listen Serbs! in the required reading list for students at different levels of education. Namely, this book could help develop patriotic consciousness in the socialization of the personality of the modern young generation and serve the purpose of pre- venting the destruction of national consciousness and identity of the young generation that leads to their ideological disorientation and susceptibility to numerous manipulations in contemporary social and political struggles. The academic community is given a suggestion that the monograph by Suvakovic, having in mind its scientific importance, should be added to the literature of students of sociology and of social sciences and humanities.