I'm sure that I am labeled as one thing or another, but it doesn't bother me and I'm not aware of harms to my career or opportunities. I prefer to explain myself as interdisciplinary, and I repeat it firmly, ad nauseum. Since "interdisciplinary" is such a buzzword AND it accurately describes me, this has worked.
My PhD is interdisciplinary, so I am really neither a criminologist or sociologist by training. I've published in both areas, but more often in criminal justice or law-related journals. I've trained graduate students and chaired dissertations in both areas, and I attend regional meetings in both disciplines as well as ASC and LSA. If pressed, I describe myself as a sociologist of law.
I find the feminist strand of criminology to be a powerful place, both in terms of theoretical tools and because the ASC section on Women and Crime is incredibly active in policy advocacy and in mentoring within the field. I maintain my ASC dues to stay part of this dynamic and supportive group. Otherwise, I believe I get more credibility in the academic and advocacy work I do outside my institution as a sociologist.
Within my university, being in a combined Sociology and Criminal Justice program is the best of both worlds: I get to teach bright students in small seminars and explore theoretically rich areas, and the CJ major brings in a large number of majors and students fulfilling requirements through our courses, so we are a well-resourced department. We also benefit from the rankings of our Criminology graduate program.
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