Jd. Knottnerus et B. Maguire, THE STATUS OF SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENTS - AN ASSESSMENT OF THEIR CURRENT AND FUTURE-PROSPECTS, Sociological spectrum, 15(1), 1995, pp. 17-38
This paper examines the present and future status of sociology departm
ents in the United States. An assessment is provided of both positive
developments and problems experienced by departments and the disciplin
e in general. Issues examined include student enrollment and degree re
cipients over the last two decades, enrollment trends in other discipl
ines, recent trends in advertised sociology faculty positions, the sta
tus of women and minorities, and which departments have and have not b
een eliminated. Based upon this assessment and the growing literature
in the field dealing with these issues, future prospects for departmen
ts are discussed, problem areas are identified, and recommendations ar
e made concerning the strengthening of the profession. While recognizi
ng the challenges faced by sociology, this appraisal suggests that neg
ative perceptions within the discipline concerning these difficulties
can become exaggerated. Attention is directed to several issues affect
ing the status of sociology, including the effects of a ''rhetoric of
despair.''