Stephen Demuth

Stephen Demuth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), part of the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD in Sociology from Penn State (2000) and joined BGSU the same year. His research focuses on criminology, criminal justice, and race/ethnicity, particularly examining how racial/ethnic identity influences criminal justice system involvement and treatment. Dr. Demuth teaches courses on crime and punishment, as well as quantitative research methods at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

His research explores disparities in arrest likelihood, sentencing outcomes, recidivism risks, and pretrial processes across racial/ethnic groups. Notable contributions include analyses of gender effects in sentencing, the impact of victim demographics in capital punishment cases, and the role of socioeconomic status in criminal justice outcomes. His work consistently addresses systemic inequities in legal processes, emphasizing intersectional factors like race, gender, and citizenship.

Dr. Demuth’s publications span over two decades, with recent work addressing contemporary issues like pretrial disparities and handgun ownership correlates. His scholarship appears in top criminology journals and edited volumes, including the 2021 Handbook on Pretrial Justice. He actively contributes to academic discourse through Google Scholar and maintains an engaged social media presence via Twitter (@SHDemuth).

While his profile does not explicitly mention grants or awards, his extensive publication record underscores sustained academic engagement. His teaching reflects methodological rigor, equipping students to analyze complex social issues through empirical lenses.