What Do Sociologists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Sociologists

Sociologists study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

Salary
$93420
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Doctoral degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job Description

Job Description

Sociologists study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members. They also analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.

Other tasks include:

  • Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
  • Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
  • Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
  • Teach sociology.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
  • Present research findings at professional meetings.

We asked Sociologists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

78%

How meaningful is this job

76%


78% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 76% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Sociologists prepare publications and reports containing research findings. They analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.

A typical day for a Sociologist will also include:

  • Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
  • Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
  • Develop approaches to the solution of groups’ problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
  • Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
  • Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.

We asked some Sociologists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 55% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 24% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 59% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 3% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 0% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 3% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Sociologists also teach sociology. They may also develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Sociologists Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior. They might also Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.

In addition, they Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.

To some Sociologists, it is also their responsibility to Develop approaches to the solution of groups’ problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.


Working life

Working hours

More than 40 hours per week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Sociologist, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Do Sociologists work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
68%


Once a week
18%


Do Sociologists work outdoors?

Never
77%


Once a year
23%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Thinkers and The Artists

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Sociologists

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Related to Sociologists Job Description

Sociologists job description, what do Sociologists do, typical day for Sociologists, what is it like to work as a Sociologist, how many hours do Sociologists work, day to day work of a Sociologist

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm
http://www.asanet.org/


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