Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions people form, 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.
Sociologists are concerned with the characteristics of social groups, organizations and institutions. They study the ways in which individuals are affected by each other and by the groups to which they belong. The effect of social traits such as sex, gender, age social class or race on a person's daily life also are of prime importance to sociologists.
Most sociologists work in one or more specialties, such as social change and globalization, population, urban and community studies, social stratification, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, gerontology, environmental sociology, medical sociology, cultural studies, or social psychology.
Many sociologists work as project analysts, administrators, researchers, and consultants for a wide range of employers, including federal, state, and local governments, educational institutions, social service agencies, research and testing services and law enforcement agencies. Other employers include international organizations, nonprofit organizations, marketing firms, and other businesses.
The results of sociological research guide lawmakers, administrators, educators and others interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy.
Sociology offers an excellent preparation for the fast-changing, globalized world of the 21st century, by teaching skills that are portable to a variety of careers. Sociologists learn a global perspective on social issues. They learn to compare social phenomena across different cultures. They cultivate an open mind that encourages them to view their familiar context with an outsider’s eye and to understand the unfamiliar before passing judgment. Because they know how to analyze the interaction of groups and societies, should their career take an international turn, they are equipped to adapt to different norms and customs.”
Moreover, sociologists’ training in statistics and research methods allows them to collect and analyze social data and information. They know where to get information, and how to assess its validity, in order to make informed decisions. They can recognize trends and patterns from sources such as market research, opinion polls, program evaluation, or sales.