Sociology is a pretty great major. You get to study individuals, relationships, groups of people, governments, businesses, and countries. Your coursework is always relevant to current events, and you get pretty excited. Still, sometimes people ask you some odd questions. Here are some things that we sociology majors are tired of hearing.
1. “How is sociology different than psychology?”
This question seems pretty silly. Sure, they could be genuinely curious about the differences between the two fields. However, this question often comes from people who are a bit skeptical of social sciences in general. You don't understand how people could possibly confuse the two fields. Psychology, sociology...same thing, right?
2) “It’s not a real science!”
There’s a pretty big rivalry between the social sciences and “hard” sciences like chemistry, biology, and physics. People assume that if we’re not working with chemicals, particles, or cells, that sociology must not be a “real” science. However, sociological studies measure and manipulate variables, just like any other science. Plus, sociology is applicable in everyday situations, making it a lot more practical when compared to more specialized sciences.
3) “What are you going to do with that major?”
I could become a sociologist, of course. But there’s so much more! I could apply to law school and be a defense attorney. I could go into city planning. I could become a social worker. I could work in a daycare. I could be a manager of a small business. The concepts from sociology are so universally useful that I could work just about anywhere. I can do just about anything with this major.
4) “Why do you hate politics so much?”
This question drives you crazy because you can’t even begin to describe how wrong the system is. From the rigid two-party system to America’s aversion to welfare state policies, it’s just all messed up. You notice how politicians tend to blame poverty on individual circumstances rather than systemic inequalities. Have they never read C. Wright Mills? And why aren’t there real experts weighing in on issues on TV? Where is the expertise in capitalism? You think Veblen is probably rolling over in his grave right now. But it’s hard explaining all that to someone who doesn’t know the first thing about sociology.
5) “If you read Marx, doesn’t that make you a Communist?”
When you talk about Marxism, people give you weird stares. At some point, you’ve probably been asked if you’re actually a communist. Sure, you may agree with some of Marx’s teachings, but you know there’s much more to sociology. While Marx never called himself a sociologist, his writings provide foundational ideas in the field. There are so many critiques of Marxism, and critiques of those critiques! So no, reading Marx does not necessarily make you a communist.
6) “What are you talking about?”
If you had a nickel for every time you’ve had to explain the difference between sex and gender, you’d be a millionaire. Terms like intersectionality, the military-industrial complex, white privilege, social construction, and systemic racism are part of your everyday vocabulary. When someone asks what you’re talking about, you have to pause the conversation to explain it, which could lead to you going off on a longer tangent. Basically, you’re a walking dictionary for social justice terminology.
Despite all the annoying questions, being a sociology major is pretty great. Your studies force you to think critically, analyze texts, and respond to other people’s arguments. Your work can always be connected to current events, so you never get bored in class. You’re always analyzing current politics and you’re very passionate about your work. And when it comes to social justice, you know how the issues should really play out, so you’re just one step ahead of the game.
