Women Sociologists as Editors and Authors in Two Leading Sociology Journals: 1960 – 2010

• In Event: 266 - Regular Session. Gender and Work in the Academy

Abstract

We examine the role of gender and elite department ranking on the involvement as editors and authors in two leading sociology journals between 1960 and 2010. Data were obtained from a sample of journals and the selection of over 1,600 articles which were coded for gender of editors, deputy/associate editors, and authors, and elite or non-elite affiliation of both editors and authors. We use a theoretical framework of social closure that may be expressed through knowledge social closure, demographic social closure, and competitive social closure. Findings indicate a high degree of social closure based on the elite status editors and authors. Social closure based on gender diminishes over time, corresponding to the expansion of women faculty in sociology. However, the expanded role of women as editors and authors is also linked to the expanded importance of affiliation with an elite department.

Author

• Carolyn C. Perrucci, Purdue University