Sociologists are social scientists. They research human behavior and relationships
between groups. They offer insights that help us understand the different
ways individuals and groups make decisions, structure organizations and respond
to change.
They also offer solutions to a wide variety of social, personal, governmental
and environmental problems through their studies and analysis.
Sociologists often specialize in a field, such as population studies, marriage
and the family, crime and delinquency, social inequality, gender roles, social
movement, politics and urban planning.
Sociologists study people in day-to-day and in controlled settings. Some
work closely with people and events. Others work in offices with data and
computers.
Many sociologists work at universities or colleges as researchers and teachers.
Others work for government or social service agencies. In the business world,
sociologists find work as market researchers, human relations specialists
and industrial relations experts.
Sociologists conduct research in many different ways. For instance, some
may:
- Use case studies of families to study gender roles
- Collect the life histories of prison inmates
- Study living patterns (work, leisure and family life) in communities of
different kinds and sizes
- Use opinion polls, censuses and other records to do statistical studies
- Send out questionnaires to collect data, set up experiments and search
historical records
- Observe and talk to people in towns or cities
- Live or work as a member of the group under study
"Know yourself well -- know your social historical context, your bias,
values and direction you want to take in life. Sociology is not for the weak
of mind or heart," says sociologist Irene Blea.
Sociologists don't have to be in great physical shape. Most do their work
at desks in front of computers. They do a lot of reading and studying -- and
a lot of writing.
The occupation is well suited to people with physical challenges. There
is no heavy lifting involved and no real injuries common to this kind of work.