Sociologists Hit Going Steady Ban; Three See value in Steady Dates

Four members of the Social Relations department attacked yesterday the ban on "going steady" which was imposed last week on students at St. Mary's High School in Lynn by its principal, Msgr. Joseph McGlinchey. The faculty members here disagreed on the merits of "going steady," however.

George C. Homans '32, professor of Sociology, affirmed that he dislikes "any official ban like this," although he disapproved "thoroughly" of the steady dating practice. He declined to guess whether "going steady" has a harmful effect on morals, as Msgr. McGlinchey contended, but felt "a man gets a much better education by playing the field."

Richard L. Solomon, associate professor of Social Psychology, also disapproved of the ban. He felt, however, that "going steady" could be "most constructive." When the interests of the "steady" couple complement each other, the practice "could help broaden intellectual horizons," he stated.

John P. Spiegel, lecturer in Social Relations, disagreed with a statement made by a member of the Lynn Parent-Teacher Association that most couples going steady "decide to...bypass college in favor of early marriage." Spiegel denied that any surveys had ever been made on the subject and claimed that "no one has ever demonstrated any harm" in the practice.

In disapproving of the ban, Robert A. Fieldmesser, instructor in Sociology, saw potential harm in banning or allowing the steady dating practice. He affirmed, however, that if "steady" couples are "not too steady, it's not too serious."