Sociology’s Ethical Compass: A Study of ASA Presidential Addresses

• In Event: 50460 - Section on Comparative-Historical Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 9: The Moral Imperative

Abstract

This study examines 117 American Sociological Association Presidential Addresses to examine how perspectives on appropriate sociological research have changed over time. Each speech was coded based on the types of justifications the ASA President used to guide the field, or "moral repertoires." The most common repertoires justified research based on its methodological rigor in measuring social phenomena, contributions to civic values and social betterment, and relevance to public interests. Patterns in the frequency and tone of each repertoire reveal periods of consensus and debate. While methodological rigor was most frequent, values like civic betterment and public relevance also featured prominently. Emphasis shifted between eras, suggesting evolving views on legitimate sociology among ASA leaders. This analysis delineates different phases in visions for the discipline and core ethical concerns characterizing each period.

Authors

• Derek James Robey, Syracuse University

• Shai M. Dromi, Harvard University

• Kelly Liu, Stanford University