Chart out your growth in social sector

The spectrum of opportunities for sociologists is as vast as society itself. They can work as census officers, counsellors, social welfare and labour officers, among other things, writes Inderdeep Thapar

Sociology is a subject that attracts many students but the general perception is that its scope is confined mainly to teaching and to being a scoring option for the civil services examinations. However, in reality, students of sociology have myriad work opportunities before them, within the country as well as abroad.

Students of sociology are usually given preference for projects associated with population studies, research conducted by the Survey of India and other organisations doing work related to demography. Those with a sociology background can find work as census officers or population research assistants. According to Dr Ranjay Vardhan, who teaches the subject in a local college," If one combines a Master's degree in sociology with short-duration courses like Diploma in Population Education, Diploma in Statistics or Environmental Studies, one gets an extra edge while being considered for a job."

Those who specialise in social psychology can work as counsellors in hospitals or with NGOs. Another specialisation of this subject is sociology of medicine after which one can work as a data collection officer in the field of medical research. Social welfare is a wide field that offers options to work not only in hospitals but also with NGOs and governmental organisations. Probation Officers are appointed in various Child Welfare Departments where they are made in charge of juvenile homes or observation cells.

International bodies like the WHO (World Health Organization) and the UNO (United Nations Organisation) frequently advertise for projects wherein the services of people with a knowledge of sociology are required. In fact, the Social Welfare Departments of all states as well as the Government of India also carry out research projects for which vacancies for sociologists are regularly advertised. Research-based NGOs too are offering work.

Dr Sherry of the Department of Sociology, Panjab University, elaborates," At the Master's level, the students are trained to collect data from the field. Hence, the students' experience in research stands them in good stead when they enter organisations which require people for research purposes."

All organisations concerned with the planning of policies for specific sections of society, like the National Commission of Women or the National Commission on Children, offer ample opportunities for the graduates of this discipline.

Short-term courses in urban planning too are offered by different universities which are an added qualification.

There is a lot of demand for sociologists in immigration services and the international Red Cross. Dr Mohan feels that it is always better to do a short-term course abroad as it equips sociologists for specialised jobs.

Elaborates Prof Geeta Mohan, who was teaching this subject, "Sociologists are also required to work as labour officers in business houses to look after the problems of employees."

Dr Rajesh Gill, a specialist in urban planning in Panjab University, adds, "There are ample returns if one takes up sociology. In fact, Panjab University has come up with a unique proposal for a placement cell in the Sociology Department," she adds.

The discipline deserves serious consideration for the many doors it opens.

Course Chat
Census and sensibility

Dr Keshav Chandra Kaistha

Population and development studies will open new vistas for those who want to take to sociology as a career option, feels Dr Keshav Chandra Kaistha, Director of the Population Research Centre, Chandigarh. Excerpts from an interview.

Sociology addresses the needs of largely three sets of people. Firstly, those who genuinely understand the social processes and relations. The second group is those students who take it up to pursue some other degree, for instance those who want to take up MBAs will take up Industrial Sociology. The third is where this option by itself ensures a career. Industrial relations, healthcare system, gerontology (diseases of old people), reproductive and child health, urban administration, women's empowerment — the avenues are unlimited in both government and non-governmental organisations.

The discipline should continue to focus more and more on specialised areas depending upon the requirements of society. Fields like health, population, environment and development studies will see enormous growth.

The emoluments vary from one organisation to another. In the private sector or in a project sponsored by an international agency, the rumeneration might be Rs.15,000 per month or more whereas in a government project it is limited by the funds.

—Inderdeep Thapar