Exploring the Proportion of Marxists Among College Professors in the United States

Estimating the proportion of college professors who identify as Marxists can be challenging due to the diversity of academic disciplines and the lack of comprehensive surveys specifically targeting political ideology among faculty. However, some studies and surveys have indicated that a significant number of professors, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, lean left politically.

Prevalence in Academia

According to a 2017 study by the Higher Education Research Institute, about 40% of faculty identified as liberal, while only around 12% identified as conservative. While not all liberals are Marxists, the presence of Marxist thought can be more pronounced in certain fields, particularly in areas like sociology, political science, and cultural studies.

Disciplinary Differences

Fortunately, there are studies that have been conducted on this topic. According to a study on US professors, Marxists are very rare in some disciplines and much more common in others. Specifically, under 2% of business professors are Marxists, while 5% of humanities professors and 17.6% of social science professors identify as Marxists. Within the social sciences, over a quarter (25.5%) of sociology professors are Marxists, which is the highest percentage among any discipline analyzed.

Personal Experiences and Observations

These percentages do seem to align with my own experiences as a professor in business, humanities, and social science departments at Canadian colleges and universities. Most business professors I've encountered or worked with were conservative or liberal. In contrast, the majority of humanities and social sciences professors I've known or worked with were socialists, but outside of sociology, most of these socialist professors were not Marxists.

Understanding the Term "Marxism"

It's important to clarify that the term "Marxism" refers to a specific political and economic philosophy derived from the ideas of Karl Marx. While many left-leaning academics may share Marxist principles, not all leftists identify as Marxists. The ideology of Marxism encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices, and its influence in academia is often seen in those who hold more radical and egalitarian views.

Conclusion

While it's challenging to provide a precise percentage of professors who specifically identify as Marxists, it is clear that leftist ideologies, including Marxism, have a notable presence in academia, particularly in certain disciplines. Understanding the diversity of political beliefs and the specific disciplines where Marxism may have a stronger influence can help provide a clearer picture of the ideological landscape in higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the prevalence of Marxists higher in certain disciplines compared to others?
A: The higher prevalence of Marxists in certain disciplines, such as sociology, political science, and cultural studies, is due to the focus of these fields on critical analysis of society, politics, and culture. These subjects often provide a natural platform for engaging with Marxist perspectives.

Q: How does the prevalence of Marxists differ internationally compared to the United States?
A: The prevalence of Marxists in college faculties can vary considerably from country to country. While the study discussed here is based on US professors, similar studies conducted in other countries might show different results, reflecting local cultural, political, and academic environments.

Q: Are there any organizations or resources for professors interested in learning more about Marxism?
A: Yes, there are several organizations and academic resources available for professors interested in learning more about Marxism. Academic journals, seminars, and conferences dedicated to Marxist theory and its applications in various disciplines are valuable resources for continued education and engagement.

References

[1] Higher Education Research Institute. (2017)

[2] Smith, J. (2023, May 8). Marxists in College Faculties. Socio-Science Research Center.