Future patterns of support for sociology

An organization like the Consortium operates not only as a watch-dog over current problems in Washington and as one voice in communicating priorities, but as a monitor of long-term trends in the federal/university relationship, the relationship of social and behavioral science to other science, and the general reputation of these fields. The marked improvement of the research situation from about 1950 to 1970 in part reflected a better regard for social science research, but was primarily part of a general increase in science and university support. A reversal for these fields began about 1970. It has affected fundamental and applied research, and the perceived utility of research in the conduct of government. University-based researchers should not view relative deprivation as attack, but should work to improve gradually the entire system of research, teaching, and communication with the broader public. The author is executive director of a Washington-based organization dedicated to representing the interests of the social science research community through lobbying and educational programs directed at federal policymakers. Trained as a biobehavioral scientist, Jenness was formerly executive associate of the Social Science Research Council.