Sociologists

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-3041
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Teach sociology.
• Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
• Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
• Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
• Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
• Present research findings at professional meetings.
• Explain sociological research to the general public.
• Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
• Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
• Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
• Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.

Tools and technology

Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, ESRI ArcGIS software, Facebook, IBM SPSS Statistics, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
• Anthropologists and Archeologists
• Political Scientists
• Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
• Survey Researchers
• Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Social Science Research Assistants
• Data Scientists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Sociologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.