A Brief History Of Sociology and Psychology
In the olden times, almost around two or three decades ago; only three professions were valued and were considered noble that were; doctor, lawyer, and engineer. However, time over time people started understanding and gaining awareness about other fields of study and how they can be transformed into a valuable professions such as sociology and psychology.
People started learning about a new concept of Humanity, which included a study about behaviors, cognitive perceptions, and emotions. The more people started to learn about humanity, the more they realized how vast, the field is and how much more there is to learn about human behaviors, cultures, and societies, their interactions with other human beings, and their thought processes.
In the past few years, as the physical sciences progressed, so did cultural and humanitarian sciences giving the people’s interest to learn more about the subject. With the becoming a global village and new technologies and more access to travel making it convenient to travel from one continent to another bringing all the humans around the globe closer, it is acquiring more significance and becoming even more important to understand how humans function and how they interact.
Significance of Sociology and Psychology
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Degree in Sociology
Sociology is the study of human behavior which included things like how social groups are formed, how humans interact in, and they change or modify over time. These understandings of human behavior are gauged by using scientific methods and mathematical representation by sociologists to measure the level of variance in each social group.
Sociology also takes into consideration the study of how giant institutions like the military, government, economy, justice, laws, and healthcare are forming to keep the society and the social structure intact.
Other fields of study that are covered by Sociology are; (Indeed, 2021)
- Culture
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Human Ecology
- Family Structures
- Genders
- Communication and Technology
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Degree in Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mental behavior of individuals and their cognitive processes. In this study field, psychologists study the human brain to understand and measure the information obtained through emotional and behavioral outcomes of people in different scenarios.
Psychology has other extensive studies as well which includes;
- Human behavior
- Animal behavior
- Cognition
- Sensation and perceptions
- Psychological development
- Trauma and Resilience
Difference between Sociology and Psychology
Although both degrees are a subcategory of humanities, they gave intrinsic characteristics that differ from each other. For example; (UniversityofArizona, 2021)
Focus
Sociology |
Psychology |
| Sociology focuses on groups rather than individuals for example; gender, caste, social class | Psychology focuses on individuals |
Study pattern
Sociology |
Psychology |
| Studies identity groups, cultures, and organizations | Studies human behavior on an individual level using observations, measurement, and analysis |
Nature
Sociology |
Psychology |
| Helps in growing and solving creativity, analytical and critical thinking, communication skills | Helps in better understanding of cognitive and social means so that individuals can relate to their surroundings and one another easily |
Production
Sociology |
Psychology |
| Tries to understand and put the world forward with respect to different cultures and communities | Develops statistical analysis, research methods, and behavioral analysis |
Career Opportunities
With the increased amount of interest and opportunities in the market both sociology and psychology tend to attract people to opt for these courses and flourish in their careers. Students are more inclined towards enrolling themselves in the study although they might need assistance and ask to do their sociology homework during the studies but still, the fields are growing rapidly.
Not only sociology, but psychology is also growing at a brisk pace. Just like sociology students studying psychology also call to do my psychology homework but at the end of the degree, they are valued and respected.
Even though the fields interrelate but one would never find both a sociologist and psychologist working in the same organization, such as a mental health clinic. With other diversified fields, students can also pursue advanced degrees in law, social work, public policy, political science, theology, and administration. (Ford, 2021)
Careers in Sociology
A sociology graduate can often go on to hold jobs as an
- Health statisticians or planner
- Journalist
- Juvenile counselor
- Market research analyst
- Admissions counselor
- Education coordinator
- Health worker
- Relations professional
- Community liaison
- Educator
- Police officers
- Social service agency administrator
- Social service provider
- Urban planner
- Guidance counselor
- Health facilities evaluator
- Policy or program analyst
- Public relations specialist
- Social caseworker
Careers in Psychology
In psychology, it is more common to advance education and move to a Ph.D. Many psychologies major students do move on to attend graduate school and conduct individual research.
They may also pursue careers that involve working with professionals that may help them in their respective careers. They include;
- Social psychologist
- Special agent
- Art therapist
- Career counselor
- Clinical psychologist
- Correctional officer
- Probation or parole officer
- Youth worker
- Caseworker
- Childcare worker
Which field is best to choose?
All the above-mentioned details would be more than enough to make any student be it from the United States of America. Or any other country. This information would help the students passing out from high school to decide on which field they want to have their graduation and later post-graduation or doctoral degree in.
If the candidates are still undeciding about which degree to opt for. They can speak with a career counselor who can provide them with better details and all the nuances of both degrees. This would allow the students to make an informed decision.
Students can also talk to their seniors, the college’s alumni network. And their professors know the skill levels of their students and can suggest better. What students can do is converse with the alums in sociology and psychology. To find out where their studies took them both academically and professionally.
If the student has any links in the local industry. They can also visit the work areas of both sociologists and psychologists. So that they are aware of what they would be receiving in the end.
Summary
Both Sociology and Psychology are growing fields and have the same respect that doctors and lawyers are given. It is up to the student which field he or she is interested in and can prosper in.
References
Ford, L. (2021, February 19). Sociology vs. Psychology. Retrieved from northcentralcollege.edu: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/news/2021/02/19/sociology-vs-psychology
Indeed. (2021, June 10). Sociology vs. Psychology: Key Differences. Retrieved from Indeed.com: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/sociology-vs-psychology
UniversityofArizona. (2021, December 08). Sociology vs. Psychology: Which Bachelor’s Degree? Retrieved from uagc.edu: https://www.uagc.edu/blog/sociology-vs-psychology-which-bachelors-degree
