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1: Careers in Sociology

  • Page ID
    43035
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    Learning Objectives

    At the end of the module, you will be able to:

    • explain concepts central to the application of sociology and sociological practice.
    • summarize how sociological perspectives develop.
    • describe the influence of history and biography on thinking and behavior.
    • employ a sociological imagination and apply the scientific method in problem-solving.

    Sociology is the study of human social life. Essentially, a career in sociology centers on work pertaining to people or providing a service to society. The knowledge and skills developed earning a sociology degree leads to employment advocating, guiding, and helping people. In jobs where you work with or serve society, you will encounter aspects of sociology including research methods, socialization, culture, race and ethnicity, gender, sex and sexuality, stratification and inequality, deviance, and other areas of human social life. Sociological practice is the use and application of sociological principles and approaches to serve and work with people. In other words, using sociological knowledge and skills to serve others is sociological practice .

    • 1.1: Basic, Public, and Applied Sociology
      This page explores different forms of sociological practice: basic sociology for research and theory, public sociology for policy evaluation and activism, applied sociology for addressing real-world problems, and clinical sociology for client-focused solutions. All these practices aim to use sociological insights to improve societal conditions and tackle urgent social issues.
    • 1.2: What is a Sociological Practitioner?
      This page discusses the role of sociological practitioners in creating social change through the application of sociological theories and methods. They help clients understand social conditions to develop effective policies and programs, highlighting the importance of collaboration and trust. Additionally, practitioners assess the effectiveness of their interventions to ensure progress, emphasizing the necessity of collective action for successful outcomes.
    • 1.3: The Scientific Method in Practice
      This page outlines the emergence and evolution of sociology from the 1800s, highlighting Auguste Comte's establishment of it as a scientific discipline through positivism. It notes the shift in the 20th century towards antipositivism, which critiques quantitative approaches. The integration of scientific methods with interpretive perspectives in social research is emphasized, showcasing the importance of both statistical data and personal narratives.
    • 1.4: Data Collection and Analysis
      This page explores social research theories, distinguishing between ideas and established facts. It details various data collection methods used by sociologists, including surveys, interviews, participant observation, ethnography, and more, while assessing each method's strengths and weaknesses.
    • 1.5: Sociological Application - Using Research to Assess and Solve Problems
    • 1.6: History and Biography
      This page explores how personal histories shape individual perspectives, influencing feelings and opinions that impact understanding of the social world. It warns that reliance on subjective viewpoints can cause misinformation and biases, thereby affecting interactions. The text suggests fostering awareness, practice, and a commitment to factual information to promote objectivity, enhance decision-making, and improve relationships.
    • 1.7: The Sociological Imagination
      This page explores the sociological imagination as a vital tool for sociologists to objectively analyze societal issues and personal choices by stepping outside personal experiences. C. Wright Mills highlights its significance in understanding life influences.
    • 1.8: References, Key Terms and Concepts
      This page presents an overview of essential sociology terms and concepts, differentiating research approaches like antipositivism, applied sociology, and public sociology. It discusses methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative techniques such as interviews, surveys, and ethnography.


    This page titled 1: Careers in Sociology is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Vera Kennedy.