THE STATUS OF SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENTS - AN ASSESSMENT OF THEIR CURRENT AND FUTURE-PROSPECTS

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.''