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Is sociology respected?

I have reacently began to consider applying for sociology, but I am dismayed by the lack of interest here at the student room. Is it a respected degree? What is the scope to go into a profession such as journalism? Also is it competative?
Thankyou in advance
the D

Reply 1

Stacy_T

You'll develop your ability to discuss/argue, I so imagine it's pretty useful for journalism. I wouldn't worry too much about how 'respected' the subject is...the most important thing is whether it will contribute to YOUR future. It will probably improve your chances if you do the degree at a good university, where any degree will generally be held in high regard. That said, I think the media is a popular destination for alot of graduates with social science degrees.

I guess it depends on what sort of journalism you want to go into. Doing some research into what modules are available won't go amiss. You should also try and find out if your preferred universities have any links with the media, in terms of graduate schemes and alumni etc etc.

Reply 2

sweet_fluffy_nuke

Obscure_d

Is it a respected degree? W

No.

Obscure_d

What is the scope to go into a profession such as journalism?

Low.
But you can make up for it by doing internships with media firms and newspapers.

Obscure_d

Also is it competative?

No.
BBB and CCC offers are common.

Reply 3

evelyneastman

Okay, maybe it's considered lowly in the UK, but everywhere else it's a respected degree, and is very similar to social anthropology. It's especially useful for advertising careers. I know for a fact that a Masters in sociology will basically guarantee you an advertising job in most major industries. It's one of the most popular degrees at the US Ivies.

Reply 4

danni_bella

17

Of course it is! In many places, definitely. Depends where you apply for work though, obviously. But sociology teaches you many skills, both written and social so never fear :biggrin:

After all, half my degree was in sociology (and anthropology) and I am having no problems at interviews, just the competition is kinda irritating lol (I'm at Canberra).

Reply 5

ßlαcksωαn

17

To me sociology seems a little pointless but their presence is rising, like you read about their comments in the paper now and you find them carrying out reserach more. But it can lead into other occupations.

Personally I am happy I have studied socio this year, and actually good because it's a subject I have to do for my course next year :smile:

It kinda opens your eyes, and you think outside the box about stuff, understand the world more and look at things from a different perspective, though it isn't for everyone I have found !!

Reply 6

Schott

11

I think in the UK the older generations may tend to view it as not as respected because it was a comparatively new subject for their time. Unfortunately they often pass this on to their children, who then criticise it without ever having studied it. Nowadays I don't think it's fair to give it such a negative reputation because it isn't really justified. Even Oxford and Cambridge accept people with Sociology A levels reasonably often. Cambridge even does a degree with a large element of Sociology in it so I think that goes to show that it can't be that bad a degree. As for careers, obviously there are related ones, but you could also do most jobs that say simply that you "need a degree". Eg: you could eventually become a lawyer or yes even a journalist lol. The government cabinet has many sociologists, eg: Frank Field, who have an incredible influence on the social policy of the state.

It uses virtually the same skills as subjects such as history so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just do what you enjoy.

Reply 7

suicidal_dream

1

in my opinion its a valued degree... perhaps because i'm biased as i'm studying it at loughborough.

thing is... with journalism at the moment there are MANY people who are trying to get into that field with direct journalism/english degrees that its fairly... over-crowded...ALTHOUGH completing media/communications modules like I could choose at Loughborough or perhaps widening your interests by including politics modules, or criminology modules (also available at loughborough) would perhaps enable you to write more competently about different topics!

Reply 8

Obscure_d

OP

That was my train of thought exactly suicidal_dream.

Reply 9

suicidal_dream

1

thats how i see it, makes you generally more well-educated ...

journalism was an option of mine at one point but so many people go for it now, you simply don't have a chance and in my opinion, a sociology degree is thought of as better than a media degree or a journalism degree!

Reply 10

Erzan

13

blackswan

To me sociology seems a little pointless but their presence is rising, like you read about their comments in the paper now and you find them carrying out reserach more. But it can lead into other occupations.

Personally I am happy I have studied socio this year, and actually good because it's a subject I have to do for my course next year :smile:

It kinda opens your eyes, and you think outside the box about stuff, understand the world more and look at things from a different perspective, though it isn't for everyone I have found !!

You say its pointless, yet it opens our eyes and mind to the world and you begin to think from a different perspective, thus gaining a more balanced understanding of everything. Yet you call it a little pointless? :frown:

Fine it may not be regarded as a highly respected subject on par with Law, but it certainly isn't a pointless subject. Sociologists have influenced our world just as much as any lawyer or scientist. Marx for example, he has influenced our world in nearly every field.

If you enjoy it and good at it, i believe it would be foolish not to do it because of what other people say. Why waste three years being bored, doing a degree because it might make you look more attractive to future employees you never known? Its a unwise strategy in my opinion.

I think you value what is pointless and not, by its presitgue and employability? if i am right, in my view i believe doing a degree that you do not prefer over others, is truely pointless.

Pointless... :rolleyes:

Marx and Web would be turning in their graves.

Reply 11

ATPB

I would err on the side of caution regarding it. I too have observed that it isn't the most respected of degrees, perhaps undeservedly so, and would worry that this would be reciprocated in employers' views.

I've known two people who have become successful in journalism through psychology though. Not quite sure why, but after a Journalism or English course (I assume English would be good?), it might be an option if that's what you want to do.

I've also heard that there are more people studying to be journalists in Scotland, than there are journalists in the whole of Europe... which gives me the impression that field's very competitive. :tongue:

You'd probably be better not listening to me on this though.

Good luck. :smile:

Reply 12

barton

9

Is sociology a respected degree, competitive and somewhat advantageous to have for any field?

No.

Reply 13

Wise One

11

It's not well-regarded, because in the UK, people tend to be individualistic, afraid of the new, and some don't believe in the existence of "society".

This isn't a result of it being easier, as - although the basic theories are comparatively simple to grasp - the more advanced stuff is truly brain-melting.

It is, after all, offered at Exeter, Manchester, the LSE, Warwick, Sheffield, Southampton, York, and Sussex. All perfectly well-respected institutions.

Reply 14

Stacy_T

Given the current **** that is going down in the media, Sociology could very well become more important. We're all looking at various stories in the press...and wondering what is the reason behind the bizarre media orgy surrounding the now infamous McCanns? Who is "to blame" for the Rhys Jones murder....It's all getting very sociological.

Reply 15

sweet_fluffy_nuke

Dont worry about whether it is respected.
After all, what does it matter if you get laughed at or get a lousy job ?

All that matters is that you do 3 years of a subject you enjoy.
Just because you will then spend 30 years in a job you hate is not a good reason to avoid sociology.

Reply 16

Wise One

11

acolyte

Dont worry about whether it is respected.
After all, what does it matter if you get laughed at or get a lousy job ?

All that matters is that you do 3 years of a subject you enjoy.
Just because you will then spend 30 years in a job you hate is not a good reason to avoid sociology.

Define 'lousy'.

I'd rather be a journalist, social researcher, urban planner or criminologist than stuck in a cubical for forty years.

Reply 17

Stacy_T

Unless you want a super specific job, it doesn't really matter what you do. If you get a good degree from a good university, then nobody gives a flying sh|te what it's in. If I were doing Sociology, I wouldn't personally be terrified about having a lack of post-graduation choices.

Reply 18

Erzan

13

Stacy_T

Unless you want a super specific job, it doesn't really matter what you do. If you get a good degree from a good university, then nobody gives a flying sh|te what it's in. If I were doing Sociology, I wouldn't personally be terrified about having a lack of post-graduation choices.

Exactly. I know plenty of people who are in very well paid jobs and they had all sort of degrees :rolleyes:

Reply 19

pipedreams1

2

I am going to study sociology at bristol this october, and have recently been going quite mad about as to whether its 'respected' and whether it will lead to a decent job or not. I have to say, i have found this thread quite reassuring actually, so thanks!

Is sociology respected?

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