Knowledge Production in Criminology: The Hidden Role of Sociopolitical Identity

• In Event: Bias, Politics, and Criminology Education

Abstract

Political orientation among social science academics have been evaluated extensively with research consistently identifying a notable overrepresentation of liberals within the academe. Most studies have focused on psychology, sociology, and anthropology, while few have evaluated the ideological composition of criminologists and the influence it has on knowledge production in the field. Using a sample of 692 criminology and criminal justice scholars, this study evaluates their sociopolitical identities and how these identities are related to perceptions about science and public policy. Consistent with the extant literature, the results display a strong underrepresentation of conservatives in criminology/criminal justice departments. Additionally, sociopolitical identities were strong predictors in scientific and policy views. Despite most scholars perceiving themselves through a lens of objectivity, these findings suggest that sociopolitical identity has the potential to penetrate impartiality. Implications for criminology, scientific objectivity, and public policy are explored.

Authors

• Brandon Nicholas Bledsoe, University of Cincinnati

• John Paul Wright, University of Cincinnati

• Mark Alden Morgan, University of Dayton