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What They Do
Working Conditions
Employment
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Job Outlook
Earnings
Related Occupations
Career Resources
Notes
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What Social Scientists Do
Social scientists study all aspects of human society -- from the distribution of
goods and services to the beliefs of newly formed religious groups to modern mass transportation systems. Their
research provides insights that help us understand the different ways in which individuals and groups make decisions,
exercise power, or respond to change. Through their studies and analyses, social scientists and urban planners
assist educators, government officials, business leaders, and others in solving social, economic, and environmental
problems.
Research is a basic activity for many social scientists. They use established or
newly discovered methods to assemble facts and theory that contribute to human knowledge. Applied research usually
is designed to produce information that will enable people to make better decisions or manage their affairs more
effectively. Interviews and surveys are widely used to collect facts, opinions, or other information. Data collection
takes many forms, however, such as living and working among the population being studied, including speaking their
native language; field investigations, including the analysis of historical records and documents; experiments
with human or animal subjects in a laboratory; the administration of standardized tests and questionnaires; and
the preparation and interpretation of maps and computer graphics.
Social sciences are interdisciplinary in nature. Specialists in one field
often find that their research overlaps work that is being conducted in another discipline.
Anthropologists study the origin
and the physical, social, and cultural development and behavior of humans. They may study the way of life, remains,
language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. Some compare the customs, values,
and social patterns of different cultures. Anthropologists generally concentrate in sociocultural anthropology,
archaeology, linguistics, or biological-physical anthropology. Sociocultural anthropologists study
the customs, cultures, and social lives of groups in settings from nonindustrialized societies to modern urban
centers. Archaeologists engage in the systematic recovery and examination of material evidence,
such as tools and pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living
habits of earlier civilizations. Linguistic anthropologists study the role of language in various
cultures. Bio- physical anthropologists study the evolution of the human body, look for the earliest
evidences of human life, and analyze how culture and biology influence one another. Most anthropologists specialize
in one particular region of the world.
Economists study the production,
distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They may analyze data to determine public demand for a specific
mix of goods and services. Most economists are concerned with the practical applications of economic policy in
a particular area, such as finance, labor, agriculture, transportation, energy, or health. Others develop theories
to explain economic phenomena such as unemployment or inflation. Marketing research analysts study
market conditions in localities, regions, the Nation, or the world to determine potential sales of a product or
service. They analyze data on past sales and trends to develop forecasts, and conduct extensive market surveys
to test their conclusions.
Geographers analyze distributions
of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, and global scales. Geographers specialize,
as a rule. Economic geographers study the distribution of resources and economic activities. Political
geographers are concerned with the relationship of geography to political phenomena, while cultural
geographers study the geography of cultural phenomena. Physical geographers study the variations
in climates, vegetation, soil, and land forms, and their implications for human activity. Urban and transportation
geographers study cities and metropolitan areas, while regional geographers study the physical,
economic, political, and cultural characteristics of regions, ranging in size from a congressional district to
entire continents. Medical geographers study health care delivery systems, epidemiology, and the
effect of the environment on health. (Some occupational classification systems include geographers under physical
scientists rather than social scientists.)
Historians research, analyze,
and interpret the past. They use many sources of information in their research, including government and institutional
records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts such as
personal diaries and letters. Historians usually specialize in a specific country or region; in a particular time
period; or in a particular field, such as social, intellectual, political, or diplomatic history. Biographers
collect detailed information on individuals. Genealogists trace family histories. Other historians
help study and preserve archival materials, artifacts, and historic buildings and sites.
Political scientists study the
origin, development, and operation of political systems and public policy. They conduct research on a wide range
of subjects such as relations between the United States and all other countries, the institutions and political
life of all nations, the politics of small towns or a major metropolis, or the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Studying topics such as public opinion, political decision making, ideology, and public policy, they analyze the
structure and operation of governments as well as various political entities. Depending on the topic under study,
a political scientist might conduct a public opinion survey, analyze election results, analyze public documents,
or interview public officials.
Psychologists, who constitute
over half of all social scientists, study human behavior and counsel or advise individuals or groups. Their research
also assists business advertisers, politicians, and others interested in influencing or motivating people. While
clinical psychology is the largest specialty, psychologists specialize in many other fields such
as counseling, experimental, social, and industrial
psychology.
Sociologists 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. They also study the behavior and interaction of groups,
trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members. They are concerned
with the characteristics of social groups, organizations, and institutions; the ways individuals are affected by
each other and by the groups to which they belong; and the effect of social traits such as sex, age, or race on
a person's daily life. The results of sociological research aid educators, lawmakers, administrators, and others
interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy.
Expanding opportunities exist for practicing sociologists, who
apply sociological knowledge, theory and methods to effect interventions at the individual, group or community
levels. Practicing sociologists, including clinical sociologists, work in business, government,
social service and education, performing evaluations, counseling, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and
economic and community development.
Most sociologists work in one or more specialties, such as social organization,
stratification, and mobility; racial and ethnic relations; education; family; social psychology; urban, rural,
political, and comparative sociology; sex roles and relations; demography; gerontology; criminology; and sociological
practice.
Urban and regional planners develop
comprehensive plans and programs for the use of land. Planners prepare for situations that are likely to develop
as a result of population growth or social and economic change.
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Working Conditions
Most social scientists have regular hours. Generally working behind a desk, either alone or in collaboration
with other social scientists, they read and write research reports. Many experience the pressures of writing and
publishing articles, deadlines and tight schedules, and sometimes they must work overtime, for which they generally
are not reimbursed. Social scientists often work as an integral part of a research team. Their routine may be interrupted
frequently by telephone calls, letters to answer, special requests for information, meetings, or conferences. Travel
may be necessary to collect information or attend meetings. Social scientists on foreign assignment must adjust
to unfamiliar cultures, climates, and languages.
Some social scientists do fieldwork. For example, anthropologists, archaeologists, and geographers often
travel to remote areas, live among the people they study, learn their languages, and stay for long periods at the
site of their investigations. They may work under rugged conditions, and their work may involve strenuous physical
exertion.
Social scientists employed by colleges and universities generally have flexible work schedules, often
dividing their time among teaching, research and writing, consulting, or administrative responsibilities.
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Employment
Social scientists held about 259,000 jobs in 1994. Over half of all social scientists are psychologists. Almost
one-third of all social scientists-overwhelmingly psychologists-are self-employed, involved in counseling, consulting,
or research.
Salaried social scientists worked as researchers, administrators, and counselors for a wide range of employers,
including Federal, State, and local governments, educational institutions, hospitals, research and testing services,
and management and public relations firms. Other employers include social service agencies, international organizations,
associations, museums, historical societies, computer and data processing firms, and business firms.
In addition, many persons with training in a social science discipline teach in colleges and universities, and
in secondary and elementary schools. The proportion of social scientists who teach varies by occupation-for example,
the academic world generally is a more important source of jobs for graduates in sociology than for graduates in
psychology.
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Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Educational attainment of social scientists is among the highest of all occupations. The Ph.D. or equivalent
degree is a minimum requirement for most positions in colleges and universities and is important for advancement
to many top level nonacademic research and administrative posts. Graduates with master's degrees in applied specialties
generally have better professional opportunities outside of colleges and universities, although the situation varies
by field. For example, job prospects for master's degree holders in urban or regional planning are brighter than
for master's degree holders in history. Graduates with a master's degree in a social science qualify for teaching
positions in junior colleges. Bachelor's degree holders have limited opportunities and in most social science occupations
do not qualify for "professional" positions. The bachelor's degree does, however, provide a suitable
background for many different kinds of entry level jobs, such as research assistant, administrative aide, or management
or sales trainee. With the addition of sufficient education courses, social science graduates also can qualify
for teaching positions in secondary and elementary schools.
Training in statistics and mathematics is essential for many social scientists. Mathematical and quantitative
research methods are increasingly used in economics, geography, political science, experimental psychology, and
other fields. The ability to use computers for research purposes is mandatory in most disciplines.
Depending on their jobs, social scientists and urban planners may need a wide range of personal characteristics.
Because they constantly seek new information about people, things, and ideas, intellectual curiosity and creativity
are fundamental personal traits. The ability to think logically and methodically is important to a political scientist
comparing the merits of various forms of government. The ability to analyze data is important to an economist studying
proposals to reduce Federal budget deficits. Objectivity, open mindedness, and systematic work habits are important
in all kinds of social science research. Perseverance is essential for an anthropologist, who might spend years
accumulating artifacts from an ancient civilization. Emotional stability and sensitivity are vital to a clinical
psychologist working with mental patients. Written and oral communication skills are essential for all these professionals.
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Job Outlook
Employment of social scientists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the
year 2005, due to concern over the environment, crime, the increasingly competitive global economy, and a wide
range of other issues. The largest social science occupation, psychologists, is expected to grow, as are economists
and marketing research analysts, and urban and regional planners. All other social scientists combined, including
anthropologists, geographers, historians, political scientists, and sociologists, should experience average growth.
Most job openings, however, will result from the need to replace social scientists who transfer to other occupations
or stop working altogether.
Prospects are best for those with advanced degrees, and generally are better in disciplines such as economics,
psychology, and urban and regional planning, which offer many opportunities in nonacademic settings. However, graduates
in all social science fields are expected to find enhanced job opportunities in applied fields due to the excellent
research, communication, and quantitative skills they develop in graduate school. Government agencies, health and
social service organizations, marketing, research and consulting firms, and a wide range of businesses seek social
science graduates.
Social scientists currently face stiff competition for academic positions. However, the growing importance and
popularity of social science subjects in secondary schools is strengthening the demand for social science teachers
at this level.
Other considerations that affect employment opportunities in these occupations include specific skills and technical
expertise, salary requirements, and geographic mobility. In addition, experience acquired through internships can
prove invaluable later in obtaining a full-time position in a social science field.
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Earnings
Median annual earnings of all social scientists were about $38,000 in 1994. The middle 50 percent earned between
$23,200 and $52,600 annually. The lowest 10 percent earned under $17,300, while the highest 10 percent earned over
$70,800.
According to a 1995 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, people with a bachelor's degree
in a social science field received starting offers averaging about $22,000 a year in 1995.
In the Federal Government, social scientists with a bachelor's degree and no experience could start at $18,700
or $23,200 a year in 1995, depending on their college records. Those with a master's degree could start at $28,300,
and those having a Ph.D. degree could begin at $34,300, while some individuals with experience and an advanced
degree could start at $41,100. Beginning salaries were slightly higher in selected areas of the country where the
prevailing local pay level was higher. The average salary of social scientists working for the Federal Government
in 1995 in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions in geography was about $45,230; in history was
$51,180; in sociology was $56,780; and in archeology was $38,770
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Related Occupations
A number of fields that require training and personal qualities similar to those of the various social science
fields are covered elsewhere in the Handbook. These include statisticians,
computer scientists and systems
analysts, reporters and correspondents, social workers, college and university faculty, and counselors.
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Sources of Additional Information
For information about careers in anthropology, contact:
For information about careers in archaeology, contact:
For information about careers in geography, contact:
Information on careers for historians is available from:
 | American Historical
Association, 400 A St. SE., Washington, DC 20003.
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| Organization of American
Historians, 112 North Bryan St., Bloomington, IN 47408.
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| American Association for State and Local
History, 530 Church St., 6th Floor, Nashville, TN 37219.
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For information about careers in political science, contact:
Information about careers in sociology is available from:
| American Sociological
Association, 1722 N St. NW., Washington, DC 20036-2981. (all areas)
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| Population Association of
America, 1722 N St. NW., Washington, DC 20036. (demography)
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| Sociological Practice
Association, Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, B240 Life Sciences, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317. (clinical sociology)
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