Political Ideology and Perceptions of Bias Among University Faculty

• Main Authors: Susan Bullers, Melissa Reece, Christy Skinner
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: North Carolina Sociological Association 2010-10-01
• Series: Sociation Today
• Subjects: politcs; faculty politics; minority relations; liberals; conservatives; harrassment
• Online Access: http://www.ncsociology.org/sociationtoday/v82/political.htm

The goal of the study was to examine the political ideology and perceptions of bias among the faculty in a university in the southeast U.S.A. Findings regarding the overall dominance of a liberal political ideology as well as ideological differences among disciplines are consistent with previous research. Respondents did distinguish between political dominance and political bias and were relatively accurate in their perceptions of a liberal dominance. Reports of bias were much lower overall but all groups were more likely to report a bias against conservatives than against Liberal and Moderates. Reports of bias against conservatives were quite high among conservatives themselves (48.7%). Conservatives were more likely to report a need to conceal their political beliefs, while Moderates and Liberals were slightly more likely to report harassment or attacks for their political beliefs. The gender differences in political ideology show that women are significantly more likely to hold a liberal political ideology.