Sociology in the academy: How the discipline is viewed by deans

Though sociologists study a wide range of institutions, very little time is spent studying sociology's position and status in the academy. Using a variant of Dillman's "total designmethod," the author conducted a survey of 345 arts and sciences academic deans, asking them to select the top-ranked and second-ranked disciplines on a number of items. Sociology fared quite well or well on commitment and concern with students, success in conducting research aimed at ameliorating community problems, ability to work in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams, involvement in college and university governance, and involvement in the surrounding community. Sociology did not fare well on academic rigor, success in attracting students to the discipline, success of students with regard to occupational and graduate education achievement, securing funded grants and contracts, success in producing peer-reviewed publications, involvement in international activities, fundraising, and overall prestige on campus. The author offers suggestions on how sociology could improve its status in the academy.