Homans said yesterday the refusal to grant Skocpol tenure may lead to a narrowing of focus in the department. "I think the danger is that sociology will narrow down to a mathematical and statistical business," Homans said.

"I'm a great believer that sociology should properly include comparative sociological and historical studies," he added. Skocpol is known for her comparative work, specializing in the study of revolutionary movements.

Addressing arguments that Skocpol is too inexperienced, Homans said, "In the past we've tried to get more older people who were further along in their careers, but of the younger people, I've always thought Theda was by far the best."

The overwhelming majority of sociology graduate students last month supported a resolution calling on the department to recommend Skocpol for tenure, Peter Bearman, Sociology graduate student coordinator, said yesterday.

"I think they made a bad decision because the department is very troubled right now. Theda is a well respected scholar, and the department can't afford to give up the most outstanding young scholar in hopes of getting someone else," Bearman said.

Skocpol said she is considering tenure offers from the University of Chicago, Stanford University, the University of Wisconsin and the University of North Carolina.

"Her main attraction is that she has gained a national reputation mainly through her recent book--she's considered an outstanding person in the field," N. Krishnan Namboodir, chairman of the sociology department at the University of North Carolina, said yesterday.

A number of sociologists yesterday cited Skocpol's award-winning book as evidence of Skocpol's scholarly abilities. "The general reaction to her book was quite positive--she clearly has a pretty powerful reputation." Seymour M. Lipset, professor of political science at Stanford and a former dissertation adviser to Skocpol, said yesterday. "I must confess I'm a bit surprised that this happened," he added