Sociologist

Sociologists study human society, interactions and social behaviour. They examine the social effects of cultural, political and economic systems and organisations.

Also known as

Social scientist, social science researcher, research advisor, etymologist, philologist, cultural advisor, professor of sociology

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work at universities, research organisations and in offices and may travel
  • Need to be methodical, communicate well and identify and solve problems

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$52K-$157K 52000

Typical tasks

  • Study human society and behaviour
  • Plan and do social sciences research
  • Analyse research and data
  • Collect information from people
  • Develop research methods
  • Provide advice on laws and community issues
  • Teach students
  • Guide research staff
  • Prepare reports and presentations

Outlook

Sociology helps organisations understand how social changes affect people and communities. In New Zealand, research on housing, health, education, work, migration and equity continues to inform public policy and community services. Digital data and online research tools are expanding the information available, but privacy, ethics and meaningful engagement with communities remain essential. Opportunities can vary with research and policy funding.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong research, critical-thinking and analytical skills
  • Ability to design surveys, interviews or other research methods
  • Confidence interpreting data and recognising its limits
  • Clear writing and communication of findings
  • Respect for research ethics, privacy and informed consent
  • Cultural responsiveness, including awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Further study options

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.