The arrest of sociology

A new book from Colin Campbell, the distinguished British sociologist, asks a disquieting question: Has sociology progressed? Campbell concludes that our discipline has made little progress in the past half-century. This essay describes what Campbell means by progress, and the factors that, on his account, impede it. The discussion focuses on one such obstacle: the politicization of the university. The older current of ideological advocacy, that Campbell highlights, is today bolstered by a newer development: ideological policing. This is a posture that attacks free expression and viewpoint diversity. The fate of sociology hinges on colleagues grasping the dangers of such policing and finding ways to check it. Remedial measures are suggested.