How relevant is a Sociology degree? Most of us, when we are considering a major, want to be sure that we can find a job, generate sufficient wage and maybe even make our mark on the world. Learners often wonder what they can do with a sociology degree and parents may be hesitant to shoulder the bill for the study of sociology. After all, there are very few well-known sociologists, right? Actually, many well-known people, both past and present received sociology degrees.
First, let us discuss some sociologists who were well-known for their sociological work. Ever heard of WEB Du Bois, innovator in civil rights activism, who compared Booker T. Washington’s accommodationist state policies and had written The Souls of Black Folks? What about C. Wright Mills who had written The Power Elite, or Jane Addams, one of the creators of Chicago’s Hull House which offered public solutions to the poor, inner-city residents? More lately, sociologists such as Lillian Rubin (Worlds of Pain), Barry Glassner (The Culture of Fear) and well-known presenter, journalist, and connection advisor, Pepper Schwartz have obtained well-known interest with work that resonates with the American mind.
Considering going into politics and thinking what a sociology degree will do for you? Would you be amazed to know that former President Ronald Reagan double majored in sociology and economics? Or that first lady, Michele Obama, has a bachelor’s degree in sociology? Considering becoming a member of Congress? Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY), Shirley Chisholm (D-NY), Maxine Waters, (D-CA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), and Tim Holder (D-PA) are all present or former Congress members. What about group planning or activism? Then you are in good company. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, Ralph David Abernathy, Jesse Jackson, Sr. and the father of community organizing, Saul Alinsky, all had sociology degrees. Sociology is actually an excellent major for individuals with a variety of passions. Because it concentrates on examining and knowing the world around us, it provides degrees with the capability to view problems from every side, and with the analytic resources to connect personal problems with social and traditional styles.