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359
Sociologists

(D.O.T.  054)

Nature of the Work

Sociologists study human society and social behavior by examining
the groups and social institutions that people form families,
communities, and governments, as well as various social, religious,
political, and business organizations.  They also study the behavior
and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and
analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
They are concerned with the characteristics of social groups,
organizations, and institutions; the ways individuals are affected
by each other and by the groups to which they belong, and the impact
of social traits such as gender, age, or race on a person's daily
life.

   As a rule, sociologists work in one or more specialties, such as
social organization, stratification, and mobility; revolution, war,
and peace; racial and ethnic relations; education; family; social
psychology; urban, rural, political, and comparative sociology;
gender roles and relations; and sociological practice.

   Other specialties include medical sociology the study of social
factors that affect mental and public health; gerontology the study
of aging and the special problems of aged persons; environmental
sociology the study of the effects of the physical environment and
technology on people; clinical sociology therapy, analysis, and
intervention for individuals, groups, organizations, and
communities; demography the study of the size, characteristics, and
movement of populations; criminology the study of factors producing
deviance from accepted legal and cultural norms; and industrial
sociology the study of work and organizations.

   Other sociologists specialize in research design and data analysis.
Sociologists usually conduct surveys or engage in direct observation
to gather data.  For example, after providing for controlled
conditions, an organizational sociologist might test the effects of
different styles of leadership on individuals in a small work group.
A medical sociologist might study the effects of terminal illness on
family interaction.  Sociological researchers also evaluate the
efficacy of different kinds of social programs.  They might examine
and evaluate particular programs of income assistance, job training,
health care, or remedial education.  Sociologists extensively use
statistical and computer techniques in their research, along with
qualitative methods such as focus group research and social impact
assessment.

   The results of sociological research aid educators, lawmakers,
administrators, and others interested in resolving social problems
and formulating public policy.  For example, sociologists study
issues related to abortion rights, AIDS, high school dropouts,
homelessness, and latch-key children.  Sociologists often work
closely with community groups and members of other professions,
including psychologists, physicians, economists, statisticians,
urban and regional planners, political scientists, anthropologists,
law enforcement and criminal justice officials, and social workers.

   Some sociologists are primarily administrators.  They apply their
professional knowledge in areas as diverse as intergroup relations,
family counseling, public opinion analysis, law enforcement,
education, personnel administration, public relations, regional and
community planning, and health services planning.  They may, for
example, administer social service programs in family and child
welfare agencies, or develop social policies and programs for
government, community, youth, or religious organizations.

   A number of sociologists are employed as consultants.  Using their
expertise and research skills, they advise on such diverse problems
as halfway houses and foster care for the mentally ill; counseling
prisoners and ex-offenders; mediating labor-management disputes; or
improving efficiency and flexibility in large corporations.
Sociologists in business may consult with management to solve a wide
range of problems and improve productivity and profitability.
Sociologists can help companies plan for the future, deal with
organizational restructuring and downsizing, and conduct market
research for advertisers and manufacturers.  Increasingly,
sociologists are involved in the evaluation of social and welfare
programs.

   Sociologists often are confused with social workers, and in fact
they do contribute to one another's discipline.  While most
sociologists conduct research on organizations, groups, and
individuals, clinical sociologists, like social workers, may
directly help people who are unable to cope with their
circumstances.  (See the statement on social workers elsewhere in
the Handbook.)

   Training in quantitative research methods is important for
sociologists.

Working Conditions

Most sociologists read, conduct research, and write reports,
articles, and books.  Sociologists working in government
organizations, private firms, and nonprofit agencies generally have
structured work schedules, and many experience the pressures of
deadlines, tight schedules, heavy workloads, and overtime.  They
devote their time to research and the application of sociological
knowledge and skills to solve organizational, community, and family
problems.  They often work as an integral part of a team.  Some
sociologists create their own private consulting firms and may work
evenings or weekends to accommodate clients or complete a project.
Travel may be required to collect data for research projects or to
attend professional conferences.

   Sociology faculty have more flexible work schedules, dividing their
time between teaching, research, consulting, and administrative
responsibilities.  (See the statement on college and university
faculty elsewhere in the Handbook.)

   All sociologists engage in analyzing ideas and data on how society
works.  Mental efforts can be tiring and stressful.

Employment

Outside of academia, where most sociologists are employed,
sociologists held several thousand jobs in 1992.  Some of these jobs
were with government agencies, which employ sociologists to deal
with such subjects as poverty, crime, public assistance, population
growth, education, social rehabilitation, community development,
mental health, racial and ethnic relations, drug abuse, school
droputs, and environmental impact studies.  Sociologists in the
Federal Government work primarily for the Departments of Health and
Human Services, Agriculture, Education, Commerce (Bureau of the
Census), Defense, and the General Accounting Office.  The also may
work in special government agencies such as the Peace Corps,
National Institute of Health, and the National Institute of Aging.
Those specializing in demography, international development, or
health may work for international organizations such as the World
Bank, the United Nations, and the World Health Organization.
Sociologists specializing in criminology work primarily for law
enforcement agencies in State and local government.

   Sociologists also hold managerial, research, personnel, and planning
positions in research firms, consulting firms, educational
institutions, corporations, professional and trade associations,
hospitals, and welfare or other nonprofit organizations.  Some
sociologists have private practices in counseling, research, or
consulting.

   Most sociologists hold positions as sociology faculty in colleges
and universities, or as high school sociology teachers.  (See the
statements on college and university faculty and kindergarten,
elementary, and secondary school teachers elsewhere in the
Handbook.)

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

A master's degree in sociology usually is the minimum requirement
for employment in applied research or community college teaching.
The Ph.D.  degree is essential for most senior level positions in
research institutes, consulting firms, corporations, and government
agencies, and is required for appointment to permanent teaching and
research positions in colleges and universities.

   Sociologists holding a master's degree can qualify for
administrative and research positions in public agencies and private
businesses.  Training in research, statistical, and computer methods
is an advantage in obtaining such positions.

   Bachelor's degree holders in sociology often get jobs in related
fields.  Their training in research, statistics, and human behavior
qualifies them for entry level positions in social services,
management, sales, personnel, and marketing.  Many work in social
service agencies as counselors or child-care, juvenile, or
recreation workers.  Others are employed as interviewers or as
administrative or research assistants.  Sociology majors with
sufficient training in statistical and survey methods may qualify
for positions as junior analysts or statisticians in business or
research firms or government agencies.  Regardless of a
sociologist's level of educational attainment, completion of an
internship while in school can prove invaluable in finding a
position in sociology or a related field.

   In the Federal Government, candidates generally need a college
degree with 24 semester hours in sociology, including course work in
theory and methods of social research.  However, since competition
for the limited number of positions is keen, advanced study in the
field is highly recommended.

   In 1992 about 190 colleges and universities offered doctoral degree
programs in sociology; most of these also offer a master's degree.
The master's is the highest degree offered in over 150 schools;
another approximately 860 schools have bachelor's degree programs.

   Most colleges have core requirements for sociology degrees,
including courses in statistics, research methodology, and
sociological theory.  Other courses cover a wide range of topics
such as aging (gerontology), criminal justice, delinquency, deviance
and social control, family and society, gender roles, social
psychology, rural sociology, organizational behavior and analysis,
mental health, and science and technology.  Some institutions offer
courses in peace and war, conflict resolution, or world systems
theory.  Many offer studies focused on sociological analysis of such
areas of Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, or Asia.
Programs also may include internships or field experiences.

   Some departments of sociology have highly structured programs, while
others are relatively unstructured and leave most course selection
up to the individual student.  Departments have different
requirements regarding foreign language skills and completion of a
thesis or dissertation for the master's and doctoral degrees.

   The choice of a graduate school is important.  Students should
select a school that has adequate research facilities and course
offerings in their areas of interest.  Opportunities to gain
practical experience also may be available, and sociology
departments may help place students in teaching or research
assistantships, business or research firms, or government agencies.

   Certification by the Sociological Practice Association (SPA) is
required for some positions in clinical sociology and applied
sociology, especially at the doctoral level.  Candidates for
certification must have at least one year of relevant experience, an
advanced degree from an accredited school, and demonstrate
competence at SPA-sponsored workshops and conferences.

   Intellectual curiosity is an essential trait for sociologists;
researchers must have an inquiring mind and a desire to find
explanations for the phenomena they observe.  They must have an open
mind to new ideas and unfamiliar social patterns.  Like other social
scientists, sociologists must be objective in gathering information
about social institutions and behavior and need keen analytical
skills in order to organize data effectively and reach valid
conclusions.  They must get along well with people, especially in
research, teaching, or intervention situations, and should have good
oral and writing skills.

Job Outlook

Most job openings in sociology are expected to result from the need
to replace sociologists who transfer to other occupations, retire,
or leave the labor force for other reasons.  Additional positions
for sociologists will stem from the increasing demand for research
in various fields such as demography, criminology, gerontology, and
medical sociology, and the need to evaluate and administer programs
designed to cope with social and welfare problems.  Growing
recognition of the research and statistical skills of sociologists
and the role they can play in solving a wide range of problems in
business and industry may spur more job growth.

   Opportunities in academia should be best for sociologists with a
doctoral degree.  The expected wave of retirements among college
faculty, beginning in the late 1990's, should result in job openings
for sociologists in colleges and universities.  Those with master's
degrees may find positions in community colleges.

   Sociologists interested in practice (applied and clinical) settings
will find that positions outside of academia are rapidly expanding.
Some Ph.D.'s may take research and administrative positions in
government, research organizations, and business firms.  Those
well-trained in quantitative research methods including survey
techniques, advanced statistics, and computer science will have the
widest choice of jobs.  For example, private firms that contract
with the government to evaluate social programs and conduct other
research increasingly seek sociologists with strong quantitative
skills.

   Demand is expected to be stronger for sociologists with training in
practical rather than theoretical sociology.  Such practical areas
include clinical sociology, criminology, environmental sociology,
medical sociology, gerontology, evaluation research, and demography.
For example, the growing need for family counseling and drug and
alcohol abuse prevention and therapy should spur demand for clinical
sociologists.  Additional demographers may be sought to help
businesses plan marketing and advertising programs and to help
developing countries analyze censuses, prepare population
projections, and formulate long-range public planning programs.
Gerontologists may be needed to help formulate programs for our
expanding elderly population.

   Persons with a master's degree face keen competition for academic
positions, but the master's is the most marketable degree for
entering sociological practice.  Opportunities for employment exist
in government agencies, industry or business, and research firms.
They may obtain positions doing market research, policy building,
administration, or quantitative research.  Often the title of
sociologist is not used but program analysts, social science
researchers, trainers, and maketing specialists are often titles
appropriate for master's level sociology graduates.

   Bachelor's degree holders will find their degree provides a solid
basis for further study or for entry level employment in a broad
range of fields media, public relations, corrections, social
welfare, community activism, and even business.  As in the past,
these graduates will compete with other liberal arts graduates for
positions as trainees and assistants in business, industry, and
government.  Some may find positions in social welfare agencies.
For those planning careers in law, journalism, business, social
work, recreation, counseling, and other related disciplines,
sociology provides an excellent background.  Those who meet State
certification requirements may become high school sociology
teachers.

Earnings

   Earnings vary with work settings.  Experienced sociologists with a
doctoral degree tend to earn the highest salaries in academia.
Those employed in business, industry, and private consulting may
earn more than those in academia or in government.  The master's
degree may be as lucrative as a doctorate in some settings outside
of academia.

   The Federal Government recognizes education and experience in
certifying applicants for entry level positions.  In general, the
average entrance salary for sociologists with a bachelor's degree
was about $18,300 or $22,700 a year in 1993, depending upon the
applicant's academic record.  The starting salary for those with a
master's degree was $27,800 a year, and for those with a Ph.D.,
$33,600, while some individuals with experience and an advanced
degree could start at $40,300.  The average annual salary for all
sociologists in the Federal Government in nonsupervisory,
supervisory, and managerial positions was around $53,300 a year in
1993.

   In general, sociologists with the Ph.D.  degree earn substantially
higher salaries than those with a lesser degree.  Some sociologists
supplement their regular salaries with earnings from other sources,
such as consulting, counseling, or writing articles and books.
Those who create their own consulting practice find that earnings
vary according to how much time they devote to their practice, the
type of clients they serve, and the region of the country.

Related Occupations

Sociologists are not the only people whose jobs require an
understanding of social processes and institutions.  Others whose
work demands such expertise include anthropologists, economists,
geographers, historians, political scientists, psychologists, urban
and regional planners, reporters and correspondents, social workers,
and intelligence specialists.

Sources of Additional Information

   Additional information on careers, certification, and graduate
departments of sociology is available from:

   American Sociological Association, 1722 N St.  NW., Washington, DC
20036-2981.

   For information about careers in demography, contact:

   Population Association of America, 1722 N St.  NW., Washington, DC
20036.

   For information about careers and certification in clinical and
applied sociology, contact:

   Sociological Practice Association, Department of Pediatrics/Human
Development, B240 Life Sciences, Michigan State University, East
Lansing, MI 48824-1317.

   For information about careers in rural sociology, contact:

   Rural Sociology Society, Department of Sociology, Montana State
University, Bozeman, MT 59715.