First published in 1931, this book represents an attempt to study the psychological basis of the institution of property. There had been many psychological and social studies of marriage and religion prior to publication of this title but none which considered the problems which arise when the institution of property is viewed from the angle of social psychology. Some of these problems are set out in the first chapter. In the remaining chapters the author discusses the problems in the light of evidence drawn from the various branches of psychology and sociology of the day. The final chapter indicates the importance of the author's conclusions for political and social theory at the time.