What is the Scope of Sociology in India? Top 12 Career Options

Sociology studies the causes and effects of human conduct with critical analysis and empirical research. It looks into social interaction, cultural aspects of daily life, social status, and religion. The scope of sociology in India is society.

Sociologists study human relations within groups. They use this to assess social activity and bring reform. Let’s discuss the scope of sociology in India.

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of society and how people interact within it. It’s like looking at how groups, communities, and societies function and how people fit into these larger systems. Sociology helps us understand how society influences our actions, relationships, and social structures and how we can, in turn, shape society. The scope of sociology in India includes examining these dynamics within the Indian context.

Scope of Sociology

The scope of sociology in India is broad and includes the study of society, social relationships, and human interactions. It examines how social issues such as poverty, crime, and racism impact individuals. With a background in sociology, people can work in various sectors, including education, social services, healthcare, government, business, nonprofit organizations and criminal justice.

They can also take on roles such as teachers, researchers, social workers, counsellors, public health analysts, policy developers, urban planners, market researchers, human resource specialists, program managers, fundraisers, probation officers and law enforcement officers.

Nature of Sociology

The scope of sociology in India encompasses studying diverse cultures, social norms, and relationships. It explores societal changes, aiding in addressing issues like caste, urbanization, and inequality through structured analysis and research.

1) It is a science.

It is an independent science. The research is not abstract, like history. It has a distinct field of study and methods. The sociology scope in India includes a lot of fieldwork.

2) It is a descriptive discipline, not a normative one.

It only comments on the state of society. The subject stays mute on the issue of value and does not make value judgments. Its stance is not moral or immoral. It is amoral or neutral.

3) It is an abstract rather than a concrete science.

It goes beyond studying society and analyses the social structure. But it also examines aspects like marriage, faith, groups, etc. Hence, this is an abstract science, not a concrete one.

Scope of Sociology In India: Courses & Colleges

The scope of Sociology in India is vast. Many colleges offer a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology. Students can pursue it after completing their 10+2 education. Remember to review the eligibility criteria before applying.

Do you want to apply for a Bachelor’s degree in this subject?

Below is a list of the top colleges for studying sociology in India. These colleges also offer Master’s or other advanced Degrees.

1) Delhi University, Delhi

This is a centralised university. It is the best option in India for Social Sciences. It has reputed colleges like St Stephens, Miranda House, Hindu, etc. These offer a 3-year BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Work course. DU also offers Master’s courses in the former.

To study here, aspirants must clear the Common University Entrance TEST (CUET).

2) Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi

JNU houses the country’s intellectual minds. Its courses are at the Master’s level. It has a dedicated Centre for the Study of Social Systems and offers MA and PhD programs. These aim to craft experts in research and analytical methods.

JNU graduates are sought after for roles in this field and Social Work. Admission requires clearing an entrance test.

3) Tata Institute of Social Sciences

The Tata group has been running this institute since 1936. It is the oldest institute for social work education in Asia. It offers B.A., M.A. and PhD courses. These are available in various fields like Social Work, Anthropology, etc. TISS Mumbai and Guwahati offer these courses.

4) Jadavpur University, Kolkata

One of the most famous institutions in the country, it was established in 1955. It ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking 2023. The Dept of Sociology here is known for its research. Students can pursue Master’s, M.Phil., and PhD here. They can learn so many things.

How Is Sociology Useful in India?

The scope of sociology in India is vast, aiding in understanding social structures, addressing issues like poverty, caste, and gender inequality, and guiding policy development to foster inclusive social change.

1) It is the scientific study of society.

Making progress in social life needs the study of human behaviour.

2) It studies human beings as people in society.

Sociology studies humans as a social species. It also includes studying why we thrive as groups and examines the relationship between a person and their group.

3) It improves one’s social life.

It raises society’s awareness of social issues and strives to reform social groups and their roles. This helps us live better social lives.

4) It is crucial in solving societal issues.

Sociology finds out about social issues using research methods. It then develops solutions for them. It enables the government to enforce its social policies.

5) It aids in working with deviations in human behaviour.

Crime, mental illness, etc., are deviations in human behaviour. Hence, they are societal issues. Sociologists attempt to reform these segments. The shot focuses on making them contributing members of society.

Scope of Sociology in India

1) NGOs

NGOs and other non-profits do humanitarian work. They seek social workers to help them achieve their goals. They work for the benefit of society.

The scope of sociology in India includes social workers can work to eliminate social problems, such as drug abuse, mental health issues, and poverty. They can also work as researchers, using their knowledge to design NGO support schemes. These schemes ensure social security and welfare and uplift society as a whole.

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2) Law Firms

Law and Sociology are interwoven. The latter is a part of many law colleges’ syllabi.

Sociology scope focuses on society. But within society, people are bound by laws that control their behavior. Thus, it helps the law have a grasp over society.

The formation of laws also depends on society’s needs. Sociologists often work for law firms as subject matter experts.

3) International Organizations

International bodies like UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO work with local bodies. They want people at the ground level working for social benefit. India also elects people to work for them in other countries.

Sociologists can help with the social responsibilities of international corporate firms. They do this by curating their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

4) Survey-Conducting Companies

These companies conduct social surveys on a large scale. Those fluent in the local culture are suited for this. They can connect with people to carry out such surveys. A similar job within the scope of sociology in India is that of a Market Research Analyst. They help companies realize what products and services people want and identify consumer trends to set selling prices.

5) Media Research Houses

Sociologists in media research houses study the effects of mass media. This research adds to their social experience. It is concerned with mainstream media’s impact. It explores how media controls the transfer and access to information.

Sociologists use rational and qualitative methods to build media theories. They study how media and social structure are related.

6) Urban and Regional Planning Bodies

Sociologists are vital for urban planning. Within the scope of sociology in India, they use their knowledge and tools to address social realities. They can collect and present information clearly. Sociologists also collaborate with urban administrative planners to improve public infrastructure.

7) Public Health Companies

Sociologists are helpful in the public health sector. They study inequality, poverty, and power imbalance. Sociologists also help spot social variations in illness and health status. They then prepare frameworks to make healthcare available to everyone. The scope of sociology in India in nursing is also wide.

Recent trends in public health research have opened up more job options. Insurance providers also often hire graduates from this field.

8) Rehabilitation Centres

These centres rehabilitate survivors of drug abuse, child abuse, etc. They need social workers to help them. Children, women, the differentially abled and senior citizens are the main focus. Sociologists can work as counsellors in government rehab centres to help children and adults.

9) HR Coordinator

Sociology graduates have great interpersonal skills. Their education qualifies them for HR jobs. Job roles can vary from hiring, training, safety, etc. HR personnel gives information about benefits offered by the company. They also handle the relevant paperwork for these processes.

10) Criminal Justice

Criminal sociology is a novel career. It studies how this subject is linked with criminal behaviour. Jobs include legal advisory, community development, prison officers, etc. Social workers also run various prison reform programs. They work with criminal psychologists to run such programs.

11) Universities/Schools

Many schools and universities teach this subject, so teachers, professors, and lecturers are in demand. Aspirants can get a UG degree in this topic and a B.Ed. degree to teach it in schools. They can also do an M.A. in the subject and then a Ph.D. Then, they can become assistant professors or lecturers in colleges.

12) Administrative Service

Sociologists aid public administration by advising on public policies. Sociology uses varied research to examine public reality. Hence, sociologists can determine what people expect from public policy and improve the administration. This subject helps people reform the current social structure.

Want to explore numerous options for your career path? Dive into our guide on Career Advice.

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