Why Conservatism is Less Common in Sociology but More Prevalent in Economics Academia

The question of why there are so few if any politically conservative sociologists in academia garners much attention. In this article, we will explore this puzzle and offer insights based on academic definitions, social dynamics, and the nature of political discourse. We will also discuss how this pattern reflects broader issues in political and academic spaces.

Academic Definitions and Objectivity

In sociology, the study of social behavior and social relationships, objectivity is a cornerstone. Sociologists are trained to observe and analyze social phenomena without bias, aiming to understand the complexities of human interaction and society.

Conservatives often argue that this requirement of objectivity leads to a bias towards liberal viewpoints. They claim that any critical analysis of power or inequality is inherently a liberal project. This belief is rooted in the notion that acknowledging social power structures and inequalities aligns with progressive ideologies.

Economics: A Different Disciplinary Framework

In economics, the study of the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services, the focus is more on financial processes and markets. Economists are not required to set aside their personal beliefs about people as the sociologists are.

Conservative economists can explore topics such as American exceptionalism, rugged individualism, and neo-colonial narratives without being labeled as biased. These topics are seen as part of the broader discussion on market dynamics and individual freedoms, which aligns more with conservative values.

Perceptions and Prejudices

The reality is that everyone defines politics and ideology based on their personal biases. What one person perceives as liberalism, another might see as conservatism, depending on their own sensitivities and experiences. This is particularly evident in how people perceive the contributions of sociologists and economists.

For instance, a conservative sociologist might be labeled a liberal simply because they are providing unbiased analysis, which aligns with the core principles of sociology. Conversely, a conservative economist can discuss topics such as the self-reliant individual or market efficiency, which are often seen as conservative values.

The Dualistic Narrative and Academic Discourse

It is important to recognize that the narrative around conservative sociologists is often a product of dualistic thinking. This dualism posits that sociology, being sensitive to societal issues, supports left-leaning values, while economics, being concerned with market dynamics, supports right-leaning values.

However, this dualistic narrative can sustain itself due to the bias of the observer. If someone perceives talking about power relations as inherently left-wing, then even discussions involving the oppression of the right are seen as following left-wing thinking.

This highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between academic disciplines and political ideologies. While sociology often gets blamed for being liberal, economics often escapes such scrutiny. This dichotomy is not purely reflective of the academic disciplines themselves but rather the lens through which these disciplines are viewed and discussed.

Conclusion

Understanding why there are fewer conservative sociologists in academia versus conservative economists requires looking beyond simple labels and into the underlying principles of each discipline. It is important to recognize that academic disciplines are not inherently political; it is the way they are perceived and applied that often determines their political leanings.

The broader question is how these dualistic narratives can sustain themselves despite contradictory evidence. It is through ongoing academic discourse and a critical examination of biases that we can achieve a more nuanced understanding of these disciplines and their roles in shaping our understanding of the world.