Gauri Chhabra
Have you ever wondered how the social trends in Generation-Y, rise of middle class, an aging population, generational political change, a heterogeneous society, abolition of single child policy and hukou system in China, aging population and women’s empowerment ushers in some deep socioeconomic changes in our future global society? If yes, have you ever tried to conjure up an image of what the society is going to look like in the near future? Well, for all those of you who do, studying Sociology is the next linear step.
Social Sciences and Sociology
While for many people the words “social sciences” may conjure up images of social workers or teachers, this is a gross misunderstanding of the range of roles available within this discipline, as well as the impact that it has on the wider world. In general, social sciences focus on the study of society and the relationship among individuals within society. Social science covers a wide spectrum of subjects, including economics, political science, sociology, history, archaeology, anthropology, and law. In comparison to STEM sciences, social science is able to provide insight into how science and innovation work – in effect it is the science of science.
Sociologyis a social science which involves the application of scientific methods to the study of the human aspects of the world.Sociology can help us understand the social forces that affect our behavior, beliefs, and life chances, but it can only go so far. That limitation conceded, sociological understanding can still go fairly far toward such an understanding, and it can help us comprehend who we are and what we are by helping us first understand the profound yet often subtle influence of our social backgrounds on so many things about us.
An important goal in this field of study is to yield generalizations-general statements regarding trends among various dimensions of social life. In fact, sociology is closely knitted to all degrees and professions. That’s why; we find a sociology exam in almost all Masters of Arts, law and UPSC entrances.
Skill Set
To start with, a strong observation, analytical and listening skills are prerequisites to become a sociologist. You will need to show evidence ofpatience and the ability to remain calm in a crisis while you enter this field. Resilience combined with flexibility to adapt to new roles, tasks and situations is a must have for all types of sociologists. It doesn’t matter where you are working; you just need to show initiative, empathy, along with a genuine desire to improve the quality of the lives of service users.
The capacity to absorb legal and procedural information, the ability to negotiate, mediate and interpret on behalf of service users, good organizational skills are essential to work autonomously and plan meetings for a caseload of clients in case you are hired by the government sector. Lastly, nothing is as essential as is the ability to think on your feet and make difficult decisions under pressure.
Getting In
An ordinary course to get admission in BA Sociology will be taking Humanities after tenth grade but it’s not mandatory. Although this discipline focuses on sociological research methods, much of the discussion is also relevant for research in the other disciplines. That is why; many sociologists are found working in medical institutions and industries as well. So, a student from any stream can opt for Bachelors in Sociology. But, a disadvantage of 3% is observed while the cut off list is published for the change of stream. As of now, no entrances happen to be at the undergraduate level. It happens through cut off of 12th score based on merit. For the top notch colleges in Delhi University, the cut offs go as high as 96%.
Institute Watch
Delhi University offers best colleges for studying Bachelors in Sociology. The exposure that a student gets in such an open minded and growth conducive environment can’t be simulated anywhere in the country. Moreover, a degree in sociology can be combined with a degree in international language to make it best suited for gaining work experience abroad.
In India, the well known colleges offering the three year degree are:
* Miranda House, University of Delhi
* Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi
* Jesus & Mary College, University of Delhi
* Hindu College, University of Delhi
* St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
Career Scape
Many sociology graduates are attracted to careers that center on the challenges and demands that members of a society face. This leads to jobs in social services, education, criminal justice, welfare services, government, counseling, charities and the voluntary sector. They include charity fundraiser, community development worker, counselor, lecturer, housing officer, teacher, probation officer, social researcher, and welfare rights adviser.
Few of them are discussed in detail:
Marketer
If it’s marketing that interests you, you are in for a head start.Marketing is a good fit for sociology – especially if you’ve done the ‘right’ kind of sociology. Market researchers are interested in mapping the shape of society, and identifying different types of people with different characteristics, lifestyles and attitudes. Social class and status are used routinely – concepts from sociology – in order to target ‘segments’ of the population. So understanding the dynamics of class, age, gender and ethnicity should give a sociologist a head-start, at least.
Journalist
Sociology provides a citadel for a career in journalism. It’s a very discursive subject, you’re practiced at writing to time and to word limits, you’re used to being presented with a brief and researching the background. It would equip you well for writing features, analysis and ‘think-pieces’. You could also package yourself as someone who’d like to specialize in commenting on social affairs, social change and so on. It is a specialist career so you should consider a master’s in journalism, but also practice writing. Get a blog and write regularly – about anything – so that you form the habit.
Social Worker
As a social worker, you would work with people and families to support them through difficult times and ensure that vulnerable people, including children and adults are safeguarded from harm. You would maintain professional relationships with people, acting as guides and advocates. At times, you may need to use their professional judgment to make tough decisions that might not always be well received by those they are trying to help. It is advised that students wishing to work in the social sector to begin in the private sector, where they can gain experience and access training. The skills they can gain in the private sector are sought after especially by charities and they can get one a foot in the door.
Public Relations Officer
Public relations (PR) are about managing reputation. A career in PR involves gaining understanding and support for your clients, as well as trying to influence opinion and behavior.You’ll use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage the reputation of your clients. These range from public bodies or services, to businesses and voluntary organizations.You’ll communicate key messages, often using third party endorsements, to defined target audiences in order to establish and maintain goodwill and understanding between an organization and its public. With a degree in sociology and relevant work experience, a job of this sort will be highly suitable.
UX Analyst
Another tangential career option is that in the field of IT- User Experience Analyst. It would suit you if you enjoy combining creative and analytical skills and have an interest in design, psychology, sociological research and coding.
User Experience (UX) roles involve delivering the best possible experience for the user of a website, with the aim of making the website as straightforward to use as possible. This career option is open to sociologists because it involves a lot of analysis of users’ behaviors and preferences in order to create the best experience for the user. Within some companies you’ll focus on research skills and psychology, in others you’ll concentrate on design and in some you’ll fulfill a more technical IT role. So, if you have a degree in sociology, you have to look for the former role in the companies.
Student Speak
ArushiSahay, Sociology Honors, 1st year, Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University
“Anyone interested in social sciences at large should take up Sociology as it is the confluence of many disciplines like history, psychology, political science and anthropology. The syllabus too stresses on the importance of having an idea about all threads and approaches to a social phenomenon in order to make a successful sociological investigation. Hence a person who has an interest in the dynamics of a society and knack of analytical, critical thinking and interdisciplinary approach is fit to study Sociology.
Sociology offers a lot of scope. You’ve your routine humanities career prospects open, like UPSC, Mass communication etc. Other than that, with Sociology specifically, most of us pursue our masters, and that may not be in Sociology alone. People migrate to Psychology, History or Political science too. They may end up as researchers, teachers, social workers or even environmentalists.”
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