There have been two peaks in interest about the ideology of professors, the first in the 1960's and 70's, the second in the beginning of the 21st century. In both periods the findings were challenged by scholars saying that professors are not as radical as the studies made out. But there is one difference between the periods: In the earlier period the critics were openly disappointed with the lack of radicalness, whereas in the later period the critics defensively argue that professors are more like ordinary people, more "moderate," than the studies make out.

The change in attitude can partly be understood as due to attributes of the messenger; in the earlier period the studies were launched by prominent academics such as Ladd and Lipset and openly left sympathizers such as Faia, whereas the later period the studies come conservative and classical liberal/libertarian voices. The change in attitude may also be an indication of the decline of professors with definite non-left views. This chapter summarizes the evidence and shows that there are few such professors in the social sciences and humanities today, and that there has been a decline in definite non-left views since the 1960s, indicated by Republican voting, self-identified conservative leanings, or policy views.

We focus on the humanities and social sciences because in those disciplines ideological sensibilities likely play a significant role and speak to students about political matters. Political views play a much smaller role in math or chemistry. . . .

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