Sociology can be defined as a study of society or social life, of group interaction and of social behaviour. In essence, it is the study and analysis of human behaviour in society. If you are interested in present-day human interactions, cultures, societies and history, sociology could be the major for you. In this article, we present to you the career opportunities and skills required for sociologists.
What is Sociology?
Sociology has a wide range of research topics. Researchers make use of various research methods to conduct empirical research, empirical investigation and critical analysis. The aim of sociology is to develop and improve a set of knowledge systems about human social structure and social activities, seeking or improving human happiness and social welfare.
Sub-topics of sociology include history, politics, economy, social structure, population changes, ethnicity, cities, villages, communities, marriage, family and sexuality, beliefs and religions, and modernization. Its methodological thoughts are diverse, such as social realism represented by E. Durkheim, which believes that people exist in society, and their behaviours and thoughts are not purely subjected to individual rationality, but are shaped by society.
What are the skills required for sociologists?
Students majoring in sociology should master the basic theory and knowledge of social life and human behaviour, and have a certain foundation in economics and management; be familiar with social statistical analysis methods, and be proficient in using statistical software such as STATA and SPSS.
Students should also have the ability to organize and conduct social surveys, policy research, project evaluation, social planning and social governance, and be able to engage in social research, social management, and public administration. Skills required for sociologists are not easy at all. But if you are determined to be a sociologist, you should definitely learn these skills.
What career opportunities can you expect?
Sociology has a broad field of employment. It can not only engage in basic work closely related to the national economy and people’s livelihood, but also engage in cutting-edge work that closely follows the development of the world.
After graduation, students of this major can engage in social research and investigation, policy research and evaluation, social planning and management, development research and forecasting in education, scientific research institutions, party and government organisation, press and publication, enterprises and institutions, and social groups. Open positions include statistician, census researcher, data analyst, criminology researcher, market researcher, survey research technician and more.
