Problems real and imposed in the discipline of sociology

Abstract

According to some, sociology is in deep trouble (Cole 1994; Coughlin 1992; Horowitz 1993; Kantrowitz 1992; Marsland 1988). While the dtscipline has undergone metamorphoses offonn and substance in the past decade, many sociologists and nonsociologista are concerned that sociology is endangered as an academic discipline, or, at the very least, is declining in quality of scholarship, graduate reauitment and training, and inpact on policy. At first glance, the current state of sociology seems a rather confusing mixture of good and bad news. Some measures Indicate that the discipline is thriving while other accounts say that sociology has serious problems. The mixture of messages can be understood in light of sociologists having been convtnced by anti-sociologists the we are doing a poor job. Moreover, a false negative imagery comes from a comparason of sociology to other academic disciplines tn which sociology is described as comtng up short and in which sociologists are described as nonscientists. The authorscontendthatmanyofthe criticismsofsocio~ are not valid and are not different from those that could be levied against any scientific discipline. Recommendations to abrogate criticisms of sociology are offered.