Last week, Davide Nicolini left an interesting comment about the sociological profession. He noted that many sociologists work in non-sociology programs like business schools, education schools, social work programs, and public policy departments. This is mainly due to three factors. First, arts and sciences departments tens to be small. Jobs are limited. Second, professional programs often pay more. Third, the tools of sociology can be applied in many settings.
What are the consequences of the “sociology diaspora?” One is simply that the influence of sociology as a profession will be reduced. Sociology departments will be smaller and sub-fields will migrate to professional schools and be small islands. Ironically, it also means that students in many fields will be exposed to sociology - just not in a sociology classroom.
There may be a third consequence. A smaller sociology may mean that it is now easier for specific cliques in sociology to take control of the field. Recently, people have made noise about the theme of the 2024 ASA meeting, which heavily emphasizes intersectionality and progressive politics. With organizational sociologists, criminologists, and policy scholars focusing their efforts elsewhere, it is easier for progessive sociologists who focus on inequality to take command.
While observers have long noted the movement of sociologists to areas like education, policy and criminal justice, we probably need a better understanding of how that has shaped the field for better or worse.
Bottom line: Lose a bunch of scholars to other fields and somwthing will change, whether you like it or not!
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