Kent Bausman

Kent Bausman is a Professor of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Maryville University, where he has taught for over 25 years. His academic focus lies at the intersection of social and economic inequality, with particular emphasis on the sociology of crime and behavior.

Dr. Bausman's research explores the impact of racial, ethnic, and generational differences on societal inequality and crime. His expertise spans criminology, social inequality, urban sociology, and the sociology of deviance. He has investigated topics including mass shootings, hot-spot policing, child abductions, gang violence, white nationalism, rural poverty, media effects, and generational implications for education.

His recent publications focus on the relationship between economic conditions and crime, particularly examining employment volatility, right-to-work laws, and the spatial distribution of property crime. He also applies social disorganization theory to compare metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas through rigorous empirical analysis.

As a professor teaching courses such as SOC 401 Sociological Theory and Research Methods, Dr. Bausman mentors students in research methodology and curriculum development. His scholarly work has directly informed legislative initiatives on indigent defense reform and public defense systems.