1.6 Sociology’s Real-World Applications
Jennifer Puentes and Aimee Samara Krouskop
We can rely on sociology to make sense of social challenges and help us take action. This is particularly important for societies experiencing crises or struggling to address challenges to their wellbeing. For example, early in the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020), the German Sociological Association started documenting sociological contributions to better understand public response to the crisis. This study examined important social phenomena, such as the strong willingness of people in Germany to act in solidarity by following policies designed to protect the more vulnerable (such as stay at home policies). Sociologists are also researching motivations around hoarding consumer goods (such as toilet paper) and increases in domestic violence during the pandemic (Blättel-Mink 2020).
Sociologists are also employed by international agencies addressing wellbeing challenges in specific regions. They might work in larger organizations such as the many branches of the United Nations (UN), the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), or the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The multitude of smaller, nongovernmental international organizations around the world also look for staff that have a strong understanding of how society functions.
Some examples in Oregon include the international humanitarian organization, Mercy Corps; Green Empowerment, which works with rural communities to improve access to renewable energy, water, sanitation, and cook stoves, and the Rafiki Village Project foundation, which is dedicated to improving health, literacy, and economic prosperity in Tanzania.
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Can you picture yourself working with any of these agencies?
- United Nations (UN)
- World Bank
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
- European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- Mercy Corps
In Oregon
Research professionals, program assistants, or directors with sociology education might be hired to address public health and medical concerns, such as malaria, reproductive health, child survival, and HIV. They might work performing outreach and education regarding gender equality, sanitation, or agricultural support. Initiatives include improving educational access, fighting human trafficking, aiding community development, supporting human rights, providing legal aid, and providing support to elders. Sociologists hired with emergency response organizations might conduct needs assessments in humanitarian zones to determine the estimated numbers of victims who need shelter, water, food, or—in the case of children—physical protection.
Sociologists and other social researchers also work to understand cultural, political, psychological, and economic factors that affect global health and well-being. F