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Usually, students who are genuinely interested in the social issues of the country are the ones who take up this course, but a majority of them loses interest with time because they do not find it as per their expectations.
It is absolutely essential that aspiring students should do a thorough research on the discipline(s) they shortlist for their future. They should know what to expect out of each course. For Sociology, it is important to harbor interest in the behavior of society. Besides, an inclination towards human psychology proves to be very beneficial. Other areas of interest include Politics, History, Group Dynamics, and Team Building.
Career in Sociology is among the offbeat career options that not many students consider. But once you know what Sociology actually is, you might see career in sociology as a lucrative option.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is a branch of Social Science. It deals with understanding the behavior of human society. It is a thorough analysis of human mindset, behavior, and interaction with the society.
Sociology, unlike Anthropology, does not dig deeper into the genetics and evolution of mankind. It deals with the present day scenario of the human society. It uses a systematic and radical approach in analyzing the issues.
Sociology is often confused with Psychology. But, they are different terms. While Sociology studies the behavior of a group, Psychology studies the behavior and attitude of individuals.
Let’s understand the concept of sociology with the help of this video:
Sociologists
Sociologists are researchers. They research and study the fundamental questions like:
Why are some societies racially, religiously, or, economically biased?
Why do human beings have different opinions on sexism, and feminism?
Who is more religious, men or women?
Why are some men and women highly judgmental and opinionated?
Etc.
Sociologists study the above questions by evaluating the conduct and custom of different social groups, institutions, and religious organizations. As a part of their research, they carry out surveys, interviews, and interact with a number of people. On the basis of their findings and interpretations, they prepare reports and write articles. These reports and articles are further used for different welfare purposes by the government and other organizations.
Sociologists study about various parts of human society like schools, universities, hospitals, offices, neighbourhood, etc. They try to understand how the society is swaying the individual behaviour. They also study about the beliefs and decision-making process of different individuals and groups.
Eligibility
At undergraduate level, any candidate who has passed 10+2 examination from any recognized board is eligible for admission to the course. However, the admission criteria differs from college to college.
While at postgraduate level, most universities need the candidate to have obtained at least 50% marks at undergraduate level.
Prospects
Career
Students from the Sociology major tend to have a better understanding of human behaviour. As the curriculum for the course is not that strenuous, Sociology students get a good time to develop soft-skills. After a degree in Sociology, you can explore the following career options:
- You can become a professor of Sociology. While with a master’s degree you can apply as an assistant professor in some of the colleges, to become a senior professor you will need to have a Ph.D. degree in the subject.
- Your knowledge of the subject will also help you find job opportunities in consultancy firms, human resource departments, news agencies, counselling firms, NGOs, etc.
Further Education
For a career in the field of teaching, criminology, healthcare, research, and administrative services, you would need to have a master’s degree in Sociology, i.e. M.A. (Sociology). Also, after obtaining a Master’s degree in Sociology, you can pursue M.Phil. and/or Ph.d. to further your knowledge of the subject.
According to The Hindu:
‘International bodies such as World Health Organisation and United Nations Organisation sometimes advertise projects wherein the services of people with knowledge of sociology are required. Social Welfare Departments of State Governments carry out research projects for which sociologists are required.’
Besides, a bachelor’s degree in Sociology is a good option for those who further wish to pursue an M.B.A. in Human Resources Management.
TOP COLLEGES FOR SOCIOLOGY IN INDIA
There are a number of colleges that offer a degree in Sociology. However, here we have mentioned the top colleges for a degree in Sociology. Some of these colleges are regarded among the best arts colleges in the country. If you wish to pursue Sociology, you must prefer these colleges.
- Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi
- Faculty of Law, Christ University, Bangalore
- Loyola College, Chennai
- Miranda House, University of Delhi
- Hindu College, University of Delhi
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi
- Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
- Women’s Christian College, Chennai
- Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce, Pune
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Milia Islamia University
Sociology is an extensive field. The knowledge gained with a degree in Sociology can be applied to enormous areas from human resources management and journalism to teaching and politics. Besides, the not so strenuous course curriculum would give you enough time to indulge in extracurricular activities.
So, if you have an interest in knowing why we (humans) do what we do and how is the society influencing our attitude towards life, you must consider Sociology as a career.