The answer to the question, ‘what is sociology?’ is a very simple one – the study of society. It is the subject matter that is difficult to define. Sociology as a subject includes everything under its umbrella, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it is interrelated to all social science subjects, and all that’s happening in the society at large. The subject matter of sociology borrows heavily from other fields of study such as political science, geography, economics, and even natural sciences like physics, chemistry, etc. Hence, while studying the subject, we are often exposed to subjects like political sociology, economic sociology and developmental sociology.
Therefore, when studying the subject, sociology students don’t get exposed to one small part of an entire structure, we get exposed to the entire structure. For example, in Emile Durkheim’s study of religion, he not only takes up the religious aspects of the Australian Aborigines but also connects them to the different aspects of the society. He connected the social aspects with the religious element, thereby including the entire structure. There is no vertical specialisation when it comes to sociology, you may choose a particular dimension after you’re a graduate but sociology essentially includes everything.
Since, sociology talks about all aspects of the society like politics, organisational behaviour, industrial sociology, developmental science, etc. it provides holistic development to the student and the tools to develop an empathetic understanding, and also efficiently adjust in the society. This is referred to as ‘Verstehen’ by eminent sociologist Max Weber.
When it comes to choosing a career for yourself, there isn’t one specific field where you might shine but opportunities are available in most fields (but that does not mean we can be astrophysicists).
Following are a few of the many options that a sociology student has when it comes to choosing a career:
1) Human Resources
Human resource forms the backbone of every large-scale organisation. It involves understanding the problems and needs of the employees. The HR personnel is responsible for connecting the vision employees have with the vision of the company. To become a good human resource person, one needs to be able to adapt well in a multi-cultural environment, be empathetic towards the organisation and its employees, have good communication skills and can think critically.
As a sociology student, one might have to conduct studies, do field research, meet people from many communities, tribes and countries – these experiences broaden the mindset of sociology students and pushes them to be more accepting, appreciative and understanding of all cultures, races, genders and classes.
2) Journalism
Journalism requires one to develop an understanding of a phenomenon and provide an unbiased opinion on that phenomenon.
Analytical and critical thinking accompanied by excellent communication skills are a must if one wants to become a journalist. A sociology major is taught various methods and approaches of studying a social phenomenon. Sociology majors learn the various methods and approaches of studying a societal phenomenon such as conducting interviews, case studies and surveys.
A typical sociology class often involves heated discussions and debates where the individual is supposed to share their ideas and views on a topic. We are also exposed to assignments where employing critical and analytical thinking is essential. These learnings can very well be implemented while taking up a career in journalism.
3) Social Work/Public Services
These fields involve interaction with a group of people that might be facing a certain problem and a sociologist often has the eye for these problems. Not only can we offer an effective solution but a sociologist can also connect the community to various organisations such as World Bank, etc. that may help them with their problems. Charities and NGOs often have sociologists working with them.
Students who pursue sociology at the masters and doctoral levels are trained and guided by professors in doing fieldwork. A sociology major can effectively understand the several aspects of a situation with mastery.
4) Academics
A sociologist can be very effective in academia. We are equipped with research skills which can be used to identify problems in an area and conduct a study on it. Most sociologists in the academia can then choose to be college professors or school teachers, teaching them not only the subject but also critical and analytical thinking and in-depth knowledge of the society.
5) Consumer Relations
A sociologist often has an understanding of the complexities of human nature and can apply the tools to understand the behaviour and formulate reports on it. Consumer relations involves understanding the requirements of the customer, the various factors that are involved in changing the requirements of the customer, etc.
There are various other fields that require the knowledge of sociologists, such as public litigation, policymaking, and so on and so forth. Studying sociology is something more of us need to do in today’s times, especially when everything is changing at such a fast pace. There is also social media that has changed the way people communicate or view each other, and the subject of sociology helps us understand this phenomenon among various others.
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