PERCEIVED RECEPTIVITY OF SOCIOLOGY FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION TOWARD MINORITIES OF RACE,RELIGION, AND SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS (2008 MSSA PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS)

The purpose of this research was to investigate whether sociologists in particular and institutions in general are perceived to make life easier for people who are different in terms of sexual orientation, race/ethnic identity, or religious affiliations by being more accepting and supportive. A sample of 74 heads of sociology departments was surveyed. T-tests were used to determine the level of support among departments and institutions. Results indicate that sociology department chairs in public colleges, those in nonreligious programs, and those in larger institutions were generally more supportive of minorities than those in private, religious, and/or smaller institutions.