Criminology/Criminal Justice Representation in the Discipline of Sociology: Changes between 1992 and 2002

Abstract

This paper examines changes in the representation of criminology, as an area of specialization, in the discipline of sociology between 1992 and 2002. Utilizing the ASA Guide to Graduate Programs in Sociology, we note faculty areas of specialization. We expect that criminology will appear more often as a specialty area in 1992 than 2002. All full‐time faculty in U.S. graduate programs in sociology are included in the analyses. We found no significant change in listing criminal justice as a specialty between 1992 and 2002. Our findings suggest that faculty with terminal degrees from less prestigious institutions and those who teach in less prestigious institutions are more likely to list criminology as a specialty area.

Notes

1. We are aware that criminology and criminal justice are distinct areas of study. It is generally assumed that criminology is theoretically and critically oriented around issues of the cause of crime. The criminal justice system explores interrelationships between the courts, the police, and penal institutions. Criminal justice, deservedly or not, has a more “applied” reputation compared to criminology. Thus, within the division of criminology from sociology, there have been additional divisions within the field. We believe, though, that their histories, especially in terms of development of separate departments with a curriculum and faculty separated from sociology, are inextricably intertwined.

2. Criminology and criminal justice have developed as distinct disciplines from a number of different parent disciplines—the law, philosophy, economics, as well as sociology. In this paper, we focus on the split from sociology but see the split occurring with other parent disciplines as well.

3. The following areas were included: criminology, criminal justice, delinquency, deviance/deviant behavior and penology/corrections.