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All of you have been studying Sociology for over a year. Sociology is the scientific study of human social behaviour. However it is not the only discipline that studies human behaviour. The study of human behaviour is of interest to historians, psychologists, sociologists, economists, political scientists etc. Surely, this question may have crossed your mind, or your family or friends might have asked you · 'What is the use of studying Sociology? What work will you do with a degree in Sociology? Perhaps you too have wondered about the same. As a start you could surely consider a career in teaching. However you must be prepared to read extensively, be creative and develop a learner-centric personality. Indeed, you would have to be passionate about teaching and interacting with learners. For some, a career in research is another possibility, though that route is a long journey to attain the status of 'sociologist'. Many sociology students and others too, choose to offer Sociology as their subject of special study for Civil Service Examinations like UPSC (Central Services) and MPSC (in Maharashtra). To clear these highly competitive examinations, it is necessary to read widely and be well aware about the totality of Indian society - it's past, present,· goals and plans for the future. Then of course, there are many allied occupations where a degree in Sociology can provide insights that are useful to take on other people-oriented professions such as Policy and Programme Development, Social Work with specialization in Family and Child Welfare, Community Development, Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, School Social Work etc. The fact remains: it is not merely an obtaining degree in sociology that matters today, but the skill sets, sensitivity and personality that you develop; your ability to modify and adapt to new needs and challenging situations of even daily living. Also, your ability to have a humanistic perspective whether dealing with research or creating empowerment programmes, or programmes for social change. |
- What is the commonality between different social sciences?
- What is the scope of sociology?
- Is a degree in Sociology sufficient to have a successful career? Why?
- Discuss how studying Sociology is beyond obtaining a degree.
- Identify five career options after completing a degree in Sociology.
Solution
- All social sciences such as History, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, and Political science study some or the other aspect of human behaviour.
- Sociology is the scientific study of human social behaviour. The scope of sociology is wide they are: It studies social relationships, social institution patterns of human behaviour in the society. Sociology deals with social changes, development and analysis various social problems like poverty, crime, suicide. Gender inequality population etc., and suggest various measures to solve them. One can surely consider a career in teaching; however, one must be passionate about teaching and interacting with learners. A career in research is another possibility, one may choose to offer Sociology as their subject of special study for Civil Service Examinations like UPSC (Central Services) and MPSC (in Maharashtra). There are many allied occupations where a degree in Sociology can provide insights that are useful to take on other people-oriented professions such as Policy and Programme Development, Social Work with specialisation in Family and Child Welfare, Community Development, Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, School Social work etc.
- No. Along with a degree in Sociology, various skillsets like the ability to change as per situation, ability to have humanistic perspective, sensitivity to situations and overall personality also play a role in building a successful career.
- Today, it is not merely obtaining a degree in sociology that matters, but the skill sets, sensitivity and personality that you develop; your ability to modify and adapt to new needs and challenging situations of even daily living. Also, your ability to have a humanistic perspective whether dealing with research or creating empowerment programmes, or programmes for social change plays important role.
- five career options after completing a degree in Sociology
- Teaching
- Research
- Civil Service Examinations
- Social work
- Community Development
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