Conservative Sociology Programs?

[John0101]

Are they all moderate to liberal?

Are there any conservative sociology programs out there?

[kpih]

Are they all moderate to liberal?

Are there any conservative sociology programs out there?

Yes. Some programs more than others. However, to view the discipline with the unit of the department is often not very precise and effective. The issue is a little more complicated than simple liberal vs. conservative.

Overall the field has progressive tendencies. Sociology is the study of social relationships, dynamics and processes. Power (especially in the school of Conflict Sociology) is viewed as the common denominator in social processes and relationships (for instance economic and political power, race, gender and so forth). Therefore most sociologists are trained to identify, recognize and acknowledge unequal power among social collectives and the application of repressive measures to maintain the status quo. Therefore the knowledge itself has a certain predilection towards changes and reforms.

At least on the surface a lot of people contest the status quo and champion social equality and justice. Yet, when the issue of power (especially in race and gender) is challenged in their immediate personal surroundings, a lot of these 'liberal' 'scholars' would revert back to the white hegemony.

Sociology, like any other academic displine or even social institutions, are structured establishments. Ironically the same power dynamics found in any institutionalized establishments apply to sociology, which is supposed to be the 'Queen of the Sciences' (according to A. Comte). We are supposed to be on the cutting edge of human knowledge.

So, there are indeed progressive and liberal sociologists. At the same time there are also quite a few conservative ones. Academically and politically most sociologists are comparatively liberal. To follow through in situations is the true test that people often fail unfortunately.