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Story: Social sciences

Jim Robb, first sociology professor

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Jim Robb, first sociology professor

In 1966 Jim Robb was appointed to Victoria University of Wellington as New Zealand's first professor of sociology. He was instrumental in developing the teaching of sociology and in establishing the Sociological Association. He was also a social activist, particularly in the field of homosexual law reform.

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J. C. Beaglehole Room, Victoria University of Wellington Library, James Harding Robb Papers

Reference: robb00084

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How to cite this page

Peter Clayworth, Social sciences – Foundation and growth, 1945 to 1970s, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/45770/jim-robb-first-sociology-professor (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Peter Clayworth, published 18 June 2014, updated 1 June 2015.