Organizations frequently pursue legitimacy through a variety of substantive and symbolic practices. However, legitimacy is a social judgment that is ultimately accorded the organization by its constituents. Analysis suggests that attempts to increase legitimacy may trigger a series of vicious circles that ultimately decrease legitimacy. (90…

Maintains that early sociological studies of U.S. higher education noted that despite a widespread ideology of egalitarianism, both individuals and departments were highly stratified. Reports on a study of changes in the structure of the stratification system in sociology over the past 30 years. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the theory of cumulative advantage and disadvantage as it applies to the productivity and prestige of academic departments within sociology. Finds that past accomplishments do not bear importantly on current perceptions of departmental prestige. (CFR)