Sociological education and the political values of students
Abstract
This is a study of the effect of sociological education on the political values and attitudes of students. It seeks to ascertain the extent to which the value positions of students change as the result of taking sociology classes, particulary social problems classes. The study is based on data collected by in-class surveys in 25 classes at 19 four-year colleges and universities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The final sample included 600 students. Questionnaires were completed by students early in the semester and again at the end. Comparisons were made in order to ascertain if there existed a liberalizing effect of sociological education. Analysis was conducted on both individual and aggregate measures of change. It revealed a slight liberalizing effect, but it is more accurate to say that sociological education "disturbed" student attitudes. Students were more likely to shift to a more liberal position as the result of the sociology classes, but there was a great deal of movement in both liberal and conservative directions. The main variable affecting the amount and direction of change was the relative positions of students and their teachers on the liberal-conservative continuum.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
McGee, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Sociology
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