Sociology
Why Study Sociology
Within Academia
Most employment specifically in sociology occurs in the context of academia. Colleges and universities often hire sociologists where they teach or engage in social research.
Outside Academia
Outside the university, applied sociologists solve specific social problems. Applied sociologists may focus on problems in the work place or “virtually any aspect of social life such as street crime and delinquency, corporate downsizing, how people express emotions, social welfare, education reform, how families differ and flourish, or problems of peace and war.”1 Many sociologists find employment in governmental agencies, such as the Census Bureau, that are concerned with the distribution of people.
Beyond Sociology: Benefits of Studying Sociology
There are numerous reasons why one might want to study sociology even if they do not work in sociology directly. World Wide Learn3 points out that a background in sociology:
- assists one in recognizing trends and patterns in society.
- allows the development of critical thinking skills.
- encourages good research skills in data collection
- instructs in creating concise reports and essays.
- develops planning and organizational skills.
- augments oral presentation skills and interpersonal communications.
- enhances management skills and grant writing ability.
Sociology is useful in “social and marketing research, sport development, psychology, law, human resources management, information science, journalism, and corporate communications, geography and environmental management, and development studies.”4
ONLINE Sources Used:
1. American Sociological Association
2. University of Limerick Web Page
3. World Wide Learn (an on-line Education Guide)
4. University of Johannesburg Web Page