Computing in Sociology: Promise and Practice

Abstract

The state of a social science discipline should be judged by the vitality of its computing subfield, which is reflected in the quality of its software. Computing progress in sociology is evident in new software for theory, data management, and instruction. Constraints including inadequate resources, problematic software, and inadequate rewards for computing contributions prohibit most sociologists from using the most innovative software. Some specific recommendations are offered for improving sociology's computing community. Keywords: sociology, microcomputing, theory, data management, instruction, computing quality, reward system.