5 Reasons Why you SHOULDN'T study Sociology | Sociology at University of Bath

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Watch video #1 in the series "Why You SHOULD Study Sociology" here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIqao52Xir6irrc

[@hasan2198]

The music is so loud I couldn't hear you 😢

[@jaemelancholy1684]

Do you not want to help people? Because telling people to major in sociology is blowing smoke up their ass. You are lying to them. You cant get hired with that bs degree and the debt.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@jaemelancholy1684 so how comes I got hired with a "bs degree"?

[@waylonmercy8125]

I'll give you some advice Joelle ...shout into the microphone!!!!!!

[@mikoswhackgameandstuffvids480]

My cousin is a Sociology major because he wants to help make the world a better place. Sociology majors know the ugly truth that many hide. Even the bad stuff, my cousin is a smart person and I believe in him, all socio majors can change the world.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

That's amazing to hear!

[@mikoswhackgameandstuffvids480]

@@JoellePhuaLife thanks

[@shirogami4224]

@@mikoswhackgameandstuffvids480 what are the ugly truth many hide? Gimmi a few examples

[@eugenerider0701]

@@shirogami4224 Probably wealth inequality, it's a subject you learn in sociology,

[@laurarenteria2395]

Marxists

[@thegoat7082]

“In science, when human behavior enters the equation, things go nonlinear. That’s why Physics is easy and Sociology is hard.” -Neil deGrasse Tyson

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Oof love that quote 👏🏼

[@guitarflori]

​@Siobhan Fogarty Because this is not about being a student in the field. The sentence refers to the problems sociology is set out to tackle. It is 1. hard for sociology to advance as a science in face of complex problems. 2. sociology is quite young and has to sort out some stuff that physics already sorted out.

[@iorekby]

@@guitarflori You can't say sociology isn't mature because it is "young". Other areas of engineering or science (e.g. electrical engineering) have had phenomenal advancement despite being a relatively "young" discipline. I don't think that's the issue with sociology. Sociology has not really evolved for a variety of reasons, many of which have been identified by other sociologists. Namely: 1) Sociology continues to flit between humanities and science. Many sociologists do not employ any scientific rigour and are driven by ideology and belief, rather than science. It's hard to advance something as a science when a sizeable amount of the community within the domain don't act or even treat said domain as a science. 2) This is not a nice thing to say, but historically, sociology has not attracted the best and brightest. The A level requirements for many sociology degrees in the UK are a lot less rigorous than bonafide sciences or STEM degrees or law degrees, for example. If you are a smart kid who works hard in the UK and get A* in Mathematics, Bio, Chem and Physics... A-Levels, are you going to be an engineering or a medical or a chemistry student at university, or are you going to go for Sociology? Not many people will go for Sociology in those circumstances. BTW, I first came across this issue in a book written by 2 sociologists about 5 years ago. Forgive me, I will try and find the name. 3) Waning places in academia: Sociology only really lives in academia. It's not like say, Computer Science, which can be studied/researched in academia or can be studied in massive private tech companies too. Sociology is slowly fading in academia. Universities are cutting or reducing the sociology programs. In the USA for example, the number of people declaring a sociology major (or subjects within a sociology major) has fallen by around a fifth since 1972. And a lot of the problems Sociology purports to solve are being solved by other areas like Economics, Psychology, Geography and Data Science.

[@guitarflori]

@@iorekby You identify interesting problems within sociology, although none of them contradict that the discipline is young. They are part of it's evolution. Electrical engineering is a derivative of pre-existing and well established sciences. It employs theory and methodology from engineering in general and physics, which are not new disciplines at all. The cases are clearly not comparable. You should have thought about this. Be more rigorous. I agree that many valuable contributions in sociology do not come from people who studied it as a first degree in university. Network theory in sociology and methodology, for example, have been advanced significantly by physicists who ventured deep into sociological thinking. Your weird tangent in the end is simply misguided. Geography does not substitute sociology at all, it takes sociological problems and solves them. In this case, researchers in human geography are doing, well, sociology. We have the same case in economics, with it's behavioral advances. Although economics is riddled with very similar problems as sociology. Just as human geography by the way. Data Science solves very little in sociology, as the problems are with inference, data collection and everything downstream. Data science can solve neither. Psychology and Sociology compliment each other. Rethink, please.

[@iorekby]

@@guitarflori I appreciate your response but honestly can agree with very little of it. Electrical Engineering may indeed have emerged as a discipline from previous areas of human study, but so did sociology. And no one said this negated Sociology being relatively young. The point being made was just because a subject is relatively "young" isn't a valid reason for it contributing less to humanity compared to other "young" disciplines. I will say I do agree with you that in regards to network theory that most of the serious contributions have not come from sociology. I've often seen sociology try to claim the work of mathematicians and physicists, even computer scientists, as "sociology", . I find some of those claims stretch credulity sometimes, unless you have specific examples in mind. Oft times it simply comes across as sociologists trying to co-opt the work of other disciplines in to sociology. AI/Data Science is already looking at areas Sociology claims to cover. For example there are ongoing projects at the likes of Facebook where AI is being used to assess and predict conflict outbreak. Sure, you can make the point that sociologists could be used to offer some insight here, but the point is the AI doesn't rely on human analysis. There's a reason the major AI companies in the world are employing droves of Computer Scientists, Physicists, AI specialists, electronics engineers and mathematicians to look at these social issues. They are not really employing sociologists. If an AI built by AI/CS engineers and mathematicians can do more to advance conflict detection and aversion in a decade than Sociologists have ever done, what does that say about the state of the domain? I will say I don't have definitive proof that those other domains are disrupting sociology, that is mainly anecdotal from my perspective. Happy to say I don't have enough information on that yet. This is off topic but, because I am always curious about this, could you tell me in say the last 50 years, what are the 5 biggest contributions Sociology has made to civilisation in your opinion? Thanks for the discussion.

[@keeponworking4423]

I find it really perplexing that people claim that sociology is the highway to unemployement. Sociologists are litterally methodology experts, they can do well basically anywhere. I wholeheartedly agree to your last two points too. Though it's amazing to actually learn to understand social phenomena and society in general, I find sociology to be quite depressing for exactly these reasons. I think sociology is a bad subject to study just because.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Right!? I agree totally. And I feel you, I used to feel so frustrated that I couldn't do anything to alleviate the injustices our eyes were finally opened to.. But more and more, I realise that *all* our words, thoughts and actions build up to impactng people's lives! I hope that you find your thing to be able to do that x

[@phillippurifoy2366]

Do you have a Sociology degree?

[@coke8077]

Ignorence is bliss

[@keeponworking4423]

@@phillippurifoy2366 I'm finishing my bachelors this summer. I have already gotten opportunities because of it - ranging from NGO's to the gaming industry. Gathering data is something we are extremely good at. And I'm even more of a theory nerd than a methodologist.

[@keeponworking4423]

@@enaquasanitas7017 honestly, where do you get that idea from? It’s just not true. Sociology requires you to be able to work with both quantitive and qualitative data. There is a lot of theory, sure, but there is a ton of epistemology, ontology and methodology as well.

[@scottlewis6611]

As a professor of Sociology for more than two decades, I can tell you that Sociology is one of the most marketable disciplines you can major in.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Agreed! I can say with with my experience now too

[@Express700-3]

How Sir Plz Elaborate?

[@Yasuke0k]

But explain why and how it’s marketable?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@Yasuke0k all the skills you gain (hard and soft): qualitative and quantitative research skills, clear written and verbal communication, analytical thinking. All of the above I use in my job now as a product designer every day

[@stian7479]

@@JoellePhuaLife as somebody who's considering studying sociology but is unsure about career path, I'm wondering if you think it's best to take a masters degree in sociology, or to take a bachelor and combine it with other degrees?

[@ynatot]

i totally relate in everything!! i underestimated sociology at first bec. on my country, sociology is really not that catchy unlike psychology which was my first prefered course but i was so intrigued on sociology and when I entered the course wow i might say that i was not really thaf fully aware of my surroundings especially current events. Now, i want to finish it until PhD ✨

[@JoellePhuaLife]

AMEN!!! I totally agree with you, it really opens your eyes doesn't it! I'm so glad you're enjoying your course :))

[@prithabhattacharya920]

i love sociology because it is challenging and difficult.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

I agree! It makes you think a lot too.

[@prithabhattacharya920]

@@JoellePhuaLife absolutely.

[@allaboutgdexam2747]

it's not difficult..

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@allaboutgdexam2747 glad you find it smooth-sailing !

[@stanbily9416]

@@allaboutgdexam2747I agree 💯

[@derek_michael]

Most people watching this are probably in their 20s. Meanwhile I'm 34 thinking of going to school for a sociology degree lol. Thanks for the video. It's actually really helpful :)

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Thank you for the lovely comment! So glad this is helpful and good luck for your future studies

[@JayJJay185]

Me too. I'm 38...

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@JayJJay185 You can totally do it! Good luck :)

[@Demonoflaplace]

I am going to be 35 doing graduation in sociology. I love the subject ❤️

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@Demonoflaplace I'm so happy for you! Best of luck with everything :)

[@devnumnagar]

I love the fact that you assigned the word duty with it. Sociology really does make better humans who have the power to change the world. I'm preparing for my masters.Wish me luck !! ❤️

[@JoellePhuaLife]

aw I'm so happy you resonate with that! good luck with your masters :))

[@nontobekomkhwanazi1616]

Good luck. I also pursue Masters in Sociology. Let's do this

[@n.k.7840]

I love how this seemingly negative, sociology-bashing video made me sure that I want to study this! Thanks!

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Ahh I'm so glad! That was definitely the intention ;)

[@sarageier]

thank you so much for this video, it honestly convinced me even more that sociology is the right study for me

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Aw Sara I'm so glad this helped you realise that! All the best in your studies, and let me know if you have any questions :) xx

[@chrissysb88]

I just graduated with my BA in sociology it’s the BEST!!!!

[@ingrida5443]

Same here!! I’m hopefully going to study sociology in September and I kept overthinking my decision, since I hadn’t done it at alevel. But this completely reassured me, everything you talked about is everything I want in a degree, especially the coursework part😂😂

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@ingrida5443 HAHA yess ikr!! You're welcome and good luck xx

[@Mikeplaysdbd]

@@chrissysb88 how is it???

[@amanarafeeq6990]

I have completed my bachelor's in sociology this year....and its really beautiful to study....every subjects has its own difficulties. If we think we can't do it, it becomes really tough . And scope of sociology is so much developing..every field need sociologist..and the most important thing sociology creats real human beings we learn to accept the society the way it is...we think every aspects of an individual in a positive manner...we learn to don't judge people..we learn to speak ourselves..we learn to fight for the truth..we learn to fight for the society. In my opinion it's really really good subject and its really worth to study.....you guys can think whatever you want...just my opinion as a sociology student.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Love this! Such a great summary of how sociology is important and valuable to society.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@Siobhan Fogarty I work at a fintech startup as a UX designer :)

[@jonasowusu1322]

Wow can you help me to study it🙏

[@sillygoose9025]

I definitely emphasize the 3rd point, sociology can be a pretty depressing

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Right! but also very humbling

[@bri99sa]

Yas😔 but is worth it... Right?

[@sillygoose9025]

@@bri99sa Yes, I’ve become a lot more conscious which is really important + you learn to see things from a radically different perspective(s) which is really helpful

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@sillygoose9025 100% agree!

[@GuyFawkesuphistory54]

@@sillygoose9025 how can it be depressing tho

[@samuelvictoria822]

I have a PhD in Sociology and didn't have a hard time getting a tenure-track position. I never regretted my my decision and you have options to go in academia, federal government, state and local government. You can definitely do positive things with a sociology degree.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

100% agree!

[@kriswilson8469]

I got a bachelors degree in social work 15 years ago. I spent a year trying to get my masters in social work. Never achieved it. Now at 41 years of age I m thinking of getting a masters in sociology. Or maybe something else. Could be going through my mid life crisis. 😆

[@MrsDiva1]

​@@kriswilson8469 I will graduate with my BA in Sociology in December. I think I am going for my MA in Sociology next. Good luck to you

[@kriswilson8469]

@@MrsDiva1 Thank you! You are inspirational. Its been awhile since I thought about sociology but I really do think it is my long term goal. Masters in sociology

[@MrsDiva1]

@Kris Wilson This is my 3rd try at finishing my education goals. When I graduate in December, I will be 51 years young with 2 kids in college also. I said, "I am going for the gusto this time around." It has been hard working full-time and going to school full-time and dealing with kids in college full-time, but WE (me & you & everyone else thinking about school) give up

[@PeteS_1994]

I’m by no means the best person to say this but most people don’t know what the most important thing is when they say sociology isn’t as important as a stem subject. I’ve seen tons of sociology based videos, although they aren’t labelled as being sociology on KZbin. I feel like sociology is becoming a subject that is going to be seen as more important especially because of the amount of connection and peer pressure future generations and us have being more connected than ever.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

100% I think Sociology teaches you so many skills and perspectives that other subjects don't

[@9syched]

this was helpful! currently rethinking about my major in HR (one year in so far). i’m sad it took me this long to remember how much i loved sociology! I think this might be the most excited i’ve been towards a degree.

[@robertbaker50]

I'm studying and majoring in Sociology at University. I honestly love what I'm learning and the only reason I'm having any doubts about the degree is the job opportunities. I hope after I graduate there will be careers available and pay well. My instructor at school is very intelligent, she has been in roles such as a principal, counselor and even worked on one of the very popular crime shows aired on t.v. which I can not think of at this moment.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

I get that a lot! People tend to think of degrees in vocational terms (e.g. medicine = doctor, law = lawyer) so things like history = ?? and sociology = ?? as there's no set path - which is amazing. You have so many options, good luck👏🏼

[@robertbaker50]

@@JoellePhuaLife My plan was to pursue a job in probation or Human Resources. I chose to minor in criminal justice.

[@GreenNectarines]

I want a PhD in Sociology, I'll have a B.A and M.A in community psychology by that point so I think this is the best time to study it. Being Black, gay, and nonbinary... I already have to face the injustices going on. I work in nonprofits so that's nothing new. Sounds good to me + I love writing!

[@JoellePhuaLife]

love that for you! best of luck :))

[@b_revillozionjake4826]

Dang, that's hard asf. Black gay, and all sorts of crazy

[@Gngatho]

I used to think like these in my early 20s... Now as I'm transitioning into my 30s,I'm in love with sociology. It's a must if you want to make the world a better place.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Love that for you!

[@Diana-yz6zx]

Reason 1: I don’t mind that it’s hard, life’s a challenge anyways! Reason 2: I LOVE READING AND WRITING. This is perfect for me. Reason 3: I want to study sociology to help the world, not only for money Reason 4: I’m prepared to learn everything about the world. Reason 5: I don’t shut the world out so that’s okay Reason 6: I really do genuinely want to study sociology

[@JoellePhuaLife]

YES DIANA!! Good luck with your studies, we need ppl like you in Sociology👏👏

[@changeyourlifechangeyourli4965]

All the best

[@SimpleSocialSciences]

I will be using some of these points in my intro to A-level Sociology! Great hearing it from a student's perspective

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Amazing! So glad you found this valuable!

[@chukwuchinyere4994]

I can proudly say that Sociology is a great course to studry, it has really changed my life, increases my level of interaction, my aim is to help society be in a better place

[@JoellePhuaLife]

💯💯

[@atlasstarlight7786]

This was a beautiful video love how your not trying to convince or impact somebody's perspective of studying sociology but just giving pointers and suggestions

[@JoellePhuaLife]

So glad you like it! Thanks for the lovely comment

[@emmasappho9006]

This video just made me want to study sociology more

[@JoellePhuaLife]

That's great news 😉 good luck!

[@Deode-d4h]

Sociology is the degree you take if you want to stare into the abyss. You learn the good, but many of the bad. It's probably one of the most depressing subjects, because the stuff you learn aren't things you can easily change. In fact you learn that it's a slow grueling process, many people will die before necessary change is done, and even when changes are done backsliding is easy.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

I agree, that's definitely the biggest con, and I used to think that it's all despair. But I realise that I can use what I've learnt to share with others and make small changes that affect the lives of ppl around me :)

[@daikonnn822]

@@JoellePhuaLife small changes eventually make the bigger ones ❤

[@hillarykyliec]

Sociology is such a depressing major! Haha I’m in my final year at Bristol Uni and I’m literally directing my dissertation on toxic masculinity and male suicide rates. Also hate how people commonly associate us with people who’re “unemployed”. A lot of people who do sociology end up becoming research methods or end up working just fine. I’m an entrepreneur and running my own business anyway, so haha it doesn’t really matter to me 🤣

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Love this ! And exactly, let's keep smashing them stereotype!

[@stevehenry3000]

You should take some economics classes to. I’m taking Principles of Macroeconomics and it’s hard, but so fun! Economics and Sociology also overlap a lot.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

I totally agree with you here! I actually took Economics for A level and it definitely linked with Sociology. Let me know if you'd find a video on the A levels I took interesting !

[@stevehenry3000]

I took a reading class last year and learned some things about Sociology. A lot of people think Sociology is worthless because we already know how humans behave in society, but there’s more to it then that. Sociology taught me that you can start a business where earthquakes happen frequently or from time to time as long as you have a strong building. But you would need permission to establish a business in an area where Mother Nature is sometimes or frequently bad.

[@sreshthasinha1672]

Hey, this message will be long please hear me out. I am sociology major student, I have completed my M.A. and now preparing for PhD. Sometimes, I breakdown and curse myself for not being intelligent enough to take up science or engineering. Sometimes my relatives mock me ( we are Asian) and it becomes all the more difficult to stick to it. But I decided to study it because I really the enjoy the subject. Moreover, in my country (India) there are good job opportunities as research assistant and professors with really good pay for this country. Thank you so much for the video. Thank you, I can't thank you enough for this video. It was motivating with hard facts about the subject. Keep studying sociology.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Wow thanks for sharing this, best of luck with your studies, it's not easy but it will be worth it!

[@internetgirl2001]

i really think i'm built for this career path and i'm so excited to start next year

[@tumindekwanderer9650]

Kudos to all our social engineers out there!... Greetings from a student of sociology major here in the PHL😊

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Yay thanks for dropping a hi! Good luck with your studies :)

[@tumindekwanderer9650]

@@JoellePhuaLife thanks alot maam😅...

[@samus4799]

Where does one get employed with that sort of job title?

[@yoshiro-chan4479]

​@@samus4799Usually with BA it's gonna be a unstereotypical job like HR and to get it you need to rlly focus on getting interndhip for the field so you can get the job. Ppl 2oth MA and Ph.D have most job opportunities in the field

[@eyongericeyongetah]

In order to study sociology did you art or sciences

[@mekawalker94]

Honestly 5 years after college. I regret it. Can’t find a job.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

sorry to hear that! I'm sure you can get some work experience in something and then go from there - no degree is a job guarantee anyway. maybe this video will help with some ideas! kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS1nWZ7hZaVeNU

[@kattdiaz4305]

4 and 5 are definitely sooooo true . My eyes opened so much.

[@drswov]

What if you have zero interest in politics? I dislike politics and avoid it like a plague, everything else in the degree facinates me

[@rickymallard7837]

I wouldn't let politics put you off. One thing you learn in a sociology degree is that politics is much broader than just what happens in parliament, and politics plays one small role in a larger story. You can also pick your essay questions from a list of options and select which topics to write about (at least at Manchester uni where I go). I did my undergrad and now my MSc in sociology, and I never wrote an essay directly about politics - MSc Sociological Research and former BSocSc Sociology. I think it may depend on the uni a little though - where are you thinking of at the moment? :)

[@keeponworking4423]

You don't have to study politics. You don't even have to study macrosystems. A way to differentiate the different perspectives on your field of study is into the categories: macro, micro (and meso). Macro is generally the study of social structures on a grand level such as either national og global systems, whereas micro is more focused on either the individual og the dynamics of smaller groups. Frankly since I started studying Sociology, I have actually become way more apathetic about politics. Sure laws and politics are the formalized norms of society, but not all norms (=socials laws) are written down or even vocalized. One of the great aspects of Sociology, is your choice to put your print on your degree and work.

[@Karin-xc8dg]

Thank you very much! Yes, it is very important to actually know what you are going to study, it is very important to love what you are going to study. You have to give your all here. 5 reasons not to study sociology and those reasons also make you want to study - there's an answer.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

exactly! glad you liked the video!

[@juansintierra7610]

I want to trasnlate this vídeo, my own sociolgy classmates, need to watch this, all their frustrations revolve around this questioning. ¡greetings colleague!

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Thank you!

[@boricat]

I am taking a bachelor of arts in sociology right now and I am expecting to graduate in 2024. A lot of people are saying that a degree in sociology is useless even if they don't know what sociology is. Sociology is not even the dream course of mine but I really wanted to prove that those people are wrong, that's why I did not shift to another course.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

go you! love this mindset, you'll do amazing things👏

[@DakeZak]

I already completed bachelors degree and currently pursuing masters in sociology

[@alaaaaaaa562]

When you are an overthinker and you want to know everything everywhere it won't be hard ‼️

[@JoellePhuaLife]

ahah I love this! yes, it's great if you love analysing stuff

[@Martiangamehunter4]

Someone made a take I think it was on Reddit that certain employers within certain industries or corporations don’t want the youth doing sociology or just neglect social science skills completely . His reasoning was that it exposes some of the structural injustices and realities going in certain industries and how it affects the wider society. Plus social sciences specifically sociology doesn’t give u the hands on skills / practical skills for the job market later on.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

that's exactly why people should study it ;) to dismantle those systems 👀 And in terms of your point of no practical skills, it depends on what jobs. For me as a UX designer now, research skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills are exactly the skills i learnt from studying sociology

[@kirstenx6690]

I’m going to be studying History and Sociology in September and being able to understand the world around you and the critical analysis skills you can gain are sought after by many employers.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

100% you nailed it on the head👏🏼👏🏼 all the best for your studies :)

[@CyberTranceHero69]

I have a degree in sociology. Been working with homelessness, substance abuse and housing. Horrible fields. Get a degree in computer science. You don't want to be like me at 40 years old going back to school.b

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@CyberTranceHero69 best of luck school!

[@theinfamousculebra7221]

Pretty much the most regrettable move I ever made as a freshmen so far. Got an exam this Thursday and I still haven’t touch the book. Currently with a D- and if I fail this exams and the essay not to mention which is due next week and still haven’t wrote a word. Gonna drop out. All thanks to my employment specialist. Curse my ADHD.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Sorry to hear that you aren't enjoying Sociology, but I'm sure you'll find something else more suitable for you! Best of luck with your studies

[@nothyuna7273]

I´m studying sociology at the Universidad de Guadalajara in Mexico and I love it, I love how you said that you have a duty, ik I feel like that too, great vid :) yes sociology changes life and pov

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Yay! I'm so glad you're loving it, all the best with your studies

[@karlarios5609]

What career do you plan to go into with that ?

[@nothyuna7273]

@@karlarios5609 I'm planning to be an academic teacher, I love studying so I'll be a bookworm 4ever hahaha

[@karlarios5609]

@@nothyuna7273 gracias por responder. Mucha suerte en tu carera !

[@thequakevids6827]

This video showed up when I was researching a last minute major change... I was so scared, but having watched it, I know this is the major for me :) Thanks for the jump scare! It is Halloween after all :)

[@JoellePhuaLife]

You got this!

[@Elvis-guy1973]

I'm in the process of completing an online sociology course and there seems to be a lot of maths and algebra. Is this true of a degree course in this subject?

[@Sam-gq3gw]

Can I become a Mental Health Therapist with Master’s of Degree in Sociology?

[@chbuki]

Yeah. I suffered so much because of all the paper assignments, but altogether, I'm glad I got my degree in social sciences.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

It's a hard slog sometimes but well done for powering through!

[@Westcoast10]

The moment you mentioned writing essays I got hooked on picking sociology as a major lol

[@ReTr093]

1. Sociology is not hard. You can get top grades with very little effort. 2. Sociology has lots of exams as well. 3. General sociologists are in fact not all that employable. One way around this is to focus on research methods. No point in denying or ignoring it. 4. Sociology is only one of many perspectives on the world. Most sociologists for example have no real understanding of how economics works apart from "IT'S ALL POWER". 5. While you might be exiting one bubble, by becoming a sociologists you are also entering another one. Especially the critical race / gender side of sociology. #forabetterscientificsociology

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Looks like you don't need persuading to not study sociology haha.

[@denidale4701]

I disagree a little bit with point 4. Don't get into sociology if you want to change the world with your ideas. Then study social work or politics. Sociology is a research heavy field which should describe society. So even if society is not the way you want it to be, sociology should describe it. Others may use the data you uncover to do policies etc, but sociology should be neutral. Too many students taint their research by personal biases, presenting data in ways they see fit for their worldview, wile designing their surveys in a way that only allows their own opinion to be validated. It is a big problem with new students who come study it for political reasons.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Thanks for adding your perspective! I would argue that history would more fit your description / role of "describing society". I'd also add that many politicians / media outlets / powerful individuals and companies in society also present data in ways they see fit for their agendas. So, in fact, the real need is for students to understand how to analyse and interpret data to see through potential misrepresentation of data - though you raise a good point and reminder to not tamper with data!

[@denidale4701]

@Joelle Phua Yes, I agree, I may sound a bit purist because that is how I got taught on the premise that real science has no say in how things should be. Funny that you mention history, because one of my professors described it as such. "History looks at society of the past and reconstructs, sociology looks at the history of tomorrow and documents it so that future generations of historians don't have to reconstruct." Of course the lines are never that clear, but as a guideline it makes sense. But I think our slight disagreement stems from somewhere else. Sociology is not seen as the same thing in the English speaking world as it is in many other cultures. I noticed that many countries take a much more relaxed approach to it than Germany and France do. Which makes sense as it mostly developed in these 2 countries and they are more protective of it because they were the first ones having to justify it as a legitimate science. For example I looked it up on Wikipedia and the third sentence on the English website is „While some sociologists conduct research that may be applied directly to social policy and welfare [...]“. Social policy and welfare are not even mentioned in the German Wikipedia article. Actually the only mention of politics is at the bottom of the page about sociology in Russia and how sociology in Russia can‘t have the status of a real science because it gets considered by the state as political activity. The french Wikipedia makes a clear distinction between sociology and the application thereof by writing a whole paragraph that states in essence that sociological research can inform politicians, autorities, teachers,.. and that sociologist may be hired as consultants. Notice how the French say sociology might inform politics, while the English article says the research can be applied directly to social policy? Informing is different than applying it directly to something. This might be a semantic argument, but in light of how differently other countries approach sociology, it might make sense: Half a decade ago Pierre Bourdieu went on Radio and TV in France as a sociologist and spoke out about current social research. This inflammed huge controversy in the academic field because in essence it was considered as unscientific to make statements about any social topics in the press. Especially if it is answering questions about what should or could be done. This went so far as to Bourdieu demanding that he would get his own TV time were he can speak about whatever he wants without an interviewer being there. He essentially just recited his research book about television on public TV. Never answering any burning social questions, just presenting the findings of his research. Even this was considered as betraying the scientific research at the time. Coming from such a tradition a lot of how sociology gets treated in the English realm (I can‘t speak for other places as I had not much contact with it) seems extremely unscientific to me. No real scientist would even speculate in any way of what should be done. That is not our job. Others can take our research and do the speculating. That is the job of politicians and policy makers. We present data, we don’t give it a spin. Because if we would give it a spin, then how could others make informed decisions? However I think where we both agree again is what you wrote next, many actors out there spinning information the way they wanna spin it. I just feel it is important to highlight that spinning information is not the job or purpose of a sociologist. To the contrary we should be the ones that take spins out of it if the spin is not backed up by data. If we like it personally or not, if it agrees with our political opinion or not. Of course that is somewhat idealistic and everyone has bias, but the essence of research should be to avoid bias or highlight it so that others can read your research with the background knowledge of your bias. Not saying “everyone has bias so we can join in too”. It is the difference between saying: “My data could mean this, so I will highlight that, barely mentioning other possibilities” vs “as long as I haven’t proven it means this, I should not highlight it and if significant name it as a possibility that requires more research”. I don’t know how it is in your country, but at least in mainland Western Europe the climate in research sadly shifts more and more to an american standard of “I found something that sounds good, so it has to be that, screw more research, the world has to know”. With all it’s nice effects of replication crisis and research papers that don’t produce new results not even being published. Which is actually a reason why I didn’t want to pursue a career as professor or researcher, because of the pressure to produce desired interesting research instead of controversial one. Because in these countries you often don't get tenure anymore but have to reapply each semester at different universities to teach. They of course choose by your research publications and if they like what you researched. So having done "unwanted" research will not get you many jobs. But of course all of this is very idealistic, and there is nothing wrong with studying sociology to do political activism or try to improve conditions. All I try to say is that that is a different kind of job and not what sociology is about. Sociology gives you the tools to do that, but in a way it also takes away a lot of activism spirit because you understand that many situations are not as easy as they seem and that there seldom is only good and evil. Often something good for one may be evil for another. Or you have 2 evils and nothing is truly good. Or you have a no-win situation where you can't fulfill the needs of everyone. Somebody who studies and understands sociology without only nitpicking from it what they like and still remains an activist is a person I truly admire. I could not do it. Understanding how actions affected others, understanding how societal events go, I would be way too cautious as to what undesired effects I might evoke. I am happy with retreating to just describing and not needing to have to influence. But I gladly teach others about it, so that they can go out and make informed decisions and reforms.

[@pridechamaona1681]

Sociology is the degree anyone can get and making the choice to go for is a sign of bravery .

[@ngawangsonam6850]

Every now and then I began to doubt studying sociology, I watch Joelle’s videos and those thoughts are gone

[@JoellePhuaLife]

that's so lovely to hear! you've got this! 💪

[@oluponamary3672]

Honestly sociology is a very good discipline one can study, this is my line...we think critically, we plan and help humanity.

[@Mkayyy]

What if you study with sociology and criminology

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Sociology with crim is pretty similar in terms of the core content and there's overlap: though I imagine criminology would involve more data analysis and quantitative research. That said! It does depend on the specific university and course :)

[@readmeup4402]

@@JoellePhuaLife Do you think sociology can be mixed with advertising or with psychology? (It is that I enrolled in a sociology degree at the university, but I am not very sure about that degree, since on the one hand there are many things that call my attention in sociology, for example the interaction with different social phenomena and try to explain them. but on the other hand, sociology was also "the first thing I found" (is that in my university you need to pass an exam and it depends on your grade, different careers open for you, a bit unfair if you think about it ..)

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@readmeup4402 Hi there! Sociology is so so diverse and I've had friends in my Sociology course who are taking marketing/advertising and psychology modules. Sociology is HIGHLY applicable to psychology and advertising because, at the end of the day, they're about people and that's what Sociology helps you to understand :) What university are you at? I'd advise you speak to your Sociology lecturers or careers service at your university!

[@clarissasmith372]

I’m a high school student but my school offers collage classes with one of our local colleges, which i will be doing next school year, i’m very interested in human behavior and the medical field and science and anatomy and things to do with that. in your opinion do you think taking sociology would be good for me?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Hi Clarissa! Sociology is such a broad discipline that it definitely encompasses medicine and science. I would recommend speaking to sociology teachers / professors to see what they offer as every institution does sociology differently! But I do think that you would enjoy it a lot :) Best of luck!

[@nomo9344]

The subject of sociology is incredibly diverse and interesting; however, the most relevant aspect oddly seems to be how the information is being taught. If it comes exclusively from either side of the political spectrum, which it often does, particularly from the left, then the information conveyed becomes instantaneously irrelevant. Even those professors who proclaim a position of neutrality (which are few and far between, as most are hard left) often fall short of their proclamation which causes every aspect of sociology to be viewed from a social justice lens of inequity.

[@Lennonthebaker]

Preciate this insight, I most definitely took more info than expected!

[@JoellePhuaLife]

you're welcome! :)

[@vapid3455]

Don't study sociology if you hate readings

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Hahaha I agree LOL. I barely do readings tbh woops

[@genesis11am]

I plan to major in sociology but I feel the subject is very 1 sided. Maybe even biased. I see alot of left leaning agendas / ideas being taught through the subject

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Hey! Whilst I'm not surprised that learning sociology may cause one to lean that way, that isn't to say that ideas can't be healthily debated and discussed in lectures / essays etc. Sociology is about the learning of ideas that aren't common place or well understood in everyday life. That's why from the outside it seems the way you describe, but the studying goes beyond what the media would describe, for e.g.

[@reabetswetsoai9222]

im currently doing BA in sociology and psychology but 'im torn between clinical psychology and sociology for my honors coz I have to major with one ...which is actually better?or more advisable to take

[@JoellePhuaLife]

really depends! I'd ask myself - which one would I enjoy more if I dedicated more time to it?

[@robindabank6711]

how many hours do you study on average as a sociology student? how much free time do you get?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

It depends on your uni and course, I had on average about 8 contact hours (lectures / seminars) a week, so the rest of the week I did coursework, revised etc

[@decoMasserati]

Being a software engineer, please can you recommend a text or course i can study or enrol to get to know and think and marry sociology and technology? Thanks in anticipation.

[@Juznapruga123]

Jonathan H. Turner Theoretical Sociology: 1830 to the Present

[@decoMasserati]

@minliminli502 thank you so much..can you also recommend for psychology?

[@leahbaters2674]

Not an essays gal, but I did appreciate your voice when explaining

[@JoellePhuaLife]

hope it helps!

[@PassePartoutiluvmonies]

Will I be okay if I take a bachelors in Sociology If i didn't take it during my A-Levels? I'm very interested in whats going on around the world and just general of human mind

[@JoellePhuaLife]

yes! as long as you meet the requirements of the course

[@Nur-xz2yj]

hello, sociology is not valued in my country.Everyone around me says don't read this section, you will be unemployed.but I want it so much.and i want to do master degree in america.I want to develop myself and work there in this department. Do you think this department is valued in America and are there few job opportunities?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

100% there are loads ! I hope you get the right opportunity to go somewhere you are valued :)

[@northeastv8560]

😌 I did my graduate Bsc Microbiology.... later I took MSc sociology it's beautiful course I gain many Changes in my personality 😅 it developes my communication skills is with others that how u should talk with people and how to study others society 😌 etc ...i didn't go with others opinion what they think just do what your heart says ..

[@saeyuie]

i don't understand this whole sociology and social work thing but can you get a job as a social worker if you get a degree in sociology?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

You can become a social worker with a sociology degree, but you will need a professional social worker license (i.e. further training), see UCAS for more info: www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs/job-profile/social-worker

[@saeyuie]

@@JoellePhuaLife thank you sm!

[@sokargo2194]

What about the thousands of pages that you have to understand and memorise???

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Fortunately I didn't have to memorise anything in University as opposed to in A level!

[@syedarida6137]

Sociology is easyy or not?? Can you please tell me

[@JoellePhuaLife]

depends what you define as easy :) it's harder than people think - you must be critical of society and analyse different topics in depth

[@berniekatzroy]

Sociology in its beginnings was something worth looking into now a days you don't need it as a degree because unless you're going to teach and regurgitate what you've already learned its useless. You can learn more from interacting with various people and just making obsevstions in public. Travel also helps first hand experience but don't put yourself in debt for sociology.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

In my opinion and experience, studying sociology is much much deeper than common sense and opens up the mind to critical thinking, which generally doesn't happen in day to day interactions. Though I do appreciate that one doesn't need to go to university to "study" sociology, there is a wealth of sociogical knowledge online too etc

[@berniekatzroy]

@@JoellePhuaLife thats more along the lines of what I meant, you can take an intro or just gather materials on your own. Another aspect is being unbias since it is what is present infront of you that you're describing.

[@Ador_ableTrap]

I just found this video and I'm really thankful you can explain about sociology major. I really enjoy every single critical thinking theory and prespektiv in sociology. Indeed very challenging and sometimes dizzy. But this major is great for training in social analysis and sensitivity about society.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

I totally agree! Helps you become more empathic:)

[@peculiarisawesome4472]

Do you need to know as much math as a mathematician to be a sociologist or work in a sociology job such as social research?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Definitely not! I didn't do maths at A level at all and the quantitative research was doable for me, you'll likely be given extra support in the research modules if you need it

[@tillycomedy2194]

thanks for making this video. one thing i would recommend is to turn your music volume down though, it's way too loud.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

thanks for the feedback, this is an older video so I've taken this feedback into account in more recent videos :)

[@okay8877]

What’s the difference between Ba sociology and Bsc sociology ???

[@JoellePhuaLife]

hey! I answered this question in this video (in short, there is no real difference that should influence your choice in one degree course over another): kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYXTe2OQZZxsq7s

[@okay8877]

@@JoellePhuaLife thank you !

[@opinionofamoose308]

This is honestly so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@JoellePhuaLife]

You're very welcome ! Let me know if there's anything in particular you'd like me to make a video about:)

[@muqeemashfaq9470]

I've completed my graduation in sociology but now I'm confused what should I do next ? Like which major subject should I take for my masters degree😢

[@JoellePhuaLife]

hey! I totally empathise with this, unfortunately though I haven't taken a masters course so I can't really advise on that. You can ask yourself a few qus though: - what aspects of sociology undergrad did you enjoy? - what skills are you best at ? e.g. research, writing, specific topics I'd say to consult a career advisor or your professors for advice!

[@patarciepaul]

You better just think about working full time at McDonald's. Your degree is useless.

[@Mikcrynouse]

I am about to postgraduate in sociology in a few months. No career opportunity except teaching

[@margheritaibbalif9249]

what books can i read to understand if i'm really interested in sociology?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

I'll definitely have a video about that soon, but my advice is to read around the topics you're interested in! (e.g. crime / gender) If you've applied to study Sociology at uni, they will usually give you an optional list of things to read before term starts. Otherwise if you're just starting out, there really aren't any **must-reads**, but watching video introductions to sociology would probably help your understanding more. Check out my video as a starting point! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ20l6ewr5WEgrM

[@margheritaibbalif9249]

@@JoellePhuaLife thank you so much!

[@peculiarisawesome4472]

DK The Sociology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained

[@kuzgunlarguzel]

i couldn't found any valuable information in my own language. thanks for the video ❤

[@JoellePhuaLife]

❣

[@micityaims]

what do you think is better? Sociologist or Psychologist?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Really depends what you're more interested in! I'm personally less interested in the technical science-y bits that psychology deals with :)

[@estheromoyele3321]

ngl this made me want to study sociology even more-✨😩🤘 great video

[@JoellePhuaLife]

ahaha that's the point ;)

[@gemmaelsom]

This 100% solidified just how much I love studying Sociology!!!

[@JoellePhuaLife]

I'm so glad this did it for you Gemma, good luck for the rest of your studies x

[@airainga309]

Having a sociology degree is pretty much useless, you just gonna end up unemployed and depressed unless you are really lucky. Am talking from experience.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Sorry to hear that that's your experience, it certainly isn't the case for me. I'm sure you'll be able to find something you enjoy soon :) Hopefully my next video on part time jobs will help people get more job opportunities sooner

[@karlarios5609]

What do you work in now?

[@karlarios5609]

@@JoellePhuaLife what was your major ? Sociology? If it was what do you work in now

[@rakeshbhatia1433]

Can someone please tell me do I need to be good at mathematics? I'm not great at mathematics but I want to study sociology to make this world a better place.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Absolutely not! I hadn't done maths since GCSE's and I was able to do Sociology with no problem. The only bit with "maths" is quantitative methods and even then, I asked for help, went to the weekly seminars / workshops and was fine :))

[@Nadia-se2ev]

Thank you for the video, very helpful! I was indecisive between a criminology and psychology programme and a criminology and sociology programme

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Glad this helped! :)

[@user-rf6tw7mx7p]

I'm currently interested in sociology and anthropology but I don't like writing essays, what would be your recommendation? Thank you 🙏

[@JoellePhuaLife]

I'm glad you're interested in Sociology! What specifically do you not like about writing essays? Unfortunately humanities are very essay-heavy subjects, so definitely speak to your teacher about it

[@user-rf6tw7mx7p]

@@JoellePhuaLife hello Joelle, to be honest, I've personally been thinking at I'm bad that writing since I moved from one country to another, as a result, made me avoid taking language-related class seriously. And led to lacking of vocabulary words to express my opinion in English even in my mother tongue language.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@user-rf6tw7mx7p I'm sorry to hear that, but it does show that you have so much potential! In university, you can go to classes to improve essay-writing skills, so you definitely won't be alone if that's the only thing stopping you from taking Socio / Anthrop

[@user-rf6tw7mx7p]

@@JoellePhuaLife Ahh I see! I feel so much relief. BTW, I've been thinking of pursuing my master degree in sociology abroad. Are there particular scholarship opportunities for this field? I'm now finishing my last year of bachelor degree in entrepreneurship and innovation.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@user-rf6tw7mx7p it really depends on the university you want to apply for, unfortunately I don't have any experience in Masters applications so I won't be of much there sorry!

[@John-ge2ne]

Sociology is not about As or Bs, it is about seeing it and sharing it in a way that supports the common good of societies. It is not something you just get in, do the course, and get and forget about it.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

agree!

[@milliejenkinson3804]

Can u take sociology degree to become a teacher

[@swapnalinagavkar476]

If you keep your voice loud and clear then you are really gonna excellent. 😊

[@murlidharraut9034]

The establishment wanting me "not to" is the exact reason I want to study Sociology!!

[@JoellePhuaLife]

facts!!

[@peculiarisawesome4472]

Also, is sociology harder than psychology?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

It really depends which you prefer! I'll probably have a video come out soon about sociology vs psychology, but for me psychology was too science-y and focussed on individual behaviour and sociology looked at the bigger picture and social factors as well. You might want to discuss with teachers in this decision!

[@Outof_thebleu]

Perfect. I have been studying sociology my whole life, now I’m going for the degree. I have already been down the rabbit hole of the dark side of religion, race, history, white supremacy, medicine, food etc.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

it sure can be depressing sometimes, but it's the actions that we can take with the knowledge we have from sociology that keeps us going! you got this

[@caitlinhardy2784]

So happy I found your channel I’ve just applied to unis to study sociology

[@JoellePhuaLife]

so exciting! thank you and good luck Caitlin :)

[@laurarenteria2395]

I love Sociology ❤️ im passionate about it and want to continue with my career involving it. I want to teach/tech and do something with it

[@JoellePhuaLife]

that's so amazing to hear! best of luck with it

[@brittoa961]

Mam I am in Qatar I am working as a staff nurse in company can I study sociology now without going the college. Corress bases.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

You should be able to study without having studied before! I'd advise someone who is in the country :)

[@nandita_raha]

Well! I am doing b.a in sociology and i agree with u that sociology is such a course which will attract u.....i didn't have sociology during my school days but when i came to know about it from some of my friends i fell for this subject.....and our college classes has already started and it gradually seems very interesting for me.....and thnxx for this video ❤️ everyone here all the best for ur future 💜

[@JoellePhuaLife]

thanks for your comment! good luck with your studies :))

[@bhandaris220]

Music is louder than your voice

[@xxafthabxx9346]

I'm thinking of taking either sociology, economics or history 🤷‍♂️

[@JoellePhuaLife]

All good subjects! I took sociology and economics 😁

[@karlarios5609]

@@JoellePhuaLife whats your job now

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@karlarios5609 I've just graduated and am looking for a UX (User Experience role)

[@s0neskim]

when i did my a levels, i thought sociology was an “easy” subject cause most of the social phenomena can be explained using common knowledge, oh boy, i was wrong!! its much more complex than you might think. the subject itself requires you to push yourself to read and know the content of what you are reading. it also teaches me on how to elaborate things that i would copy and pasted when I did my GCSEs. at times, i find sociology is a one of the most challenging subject to learn but in the end, I loved it. It changed my entire life; the change of perspective with the people passing by and those who are in power, it made me feel like im special (i can also detect people if theyre lying because of the analysis in sociology really helped me a lot). now im studying the course that I used to hate, that is sociology & anthropology in a local university. wish me luck!! 🫶🏻 goodluck to all of the people who are having a hard time to decide on their majors/course to study in university/college/sixth forms and those who are studying sociology!! 💪🏻😼💅🏻 ps: sociology will knock your “common sense” out of your head and you will discover the dark truth about the world just like how this lovely lady explains in the video!

[@JoellePhuaLife]

what a lovely comment! thanks for sharing your experience

[@blackreaper6108]

Does sociology contains maths?

[@JoellePhuaLife]

Nope! You might do some quantitative research, but you'll be assisted through that at uni

[@blackreaper6108]

Thanks 🙏

[@adamjulian3360]

It also depends where you study it. I study in Austria and we have a lot of math.

[@JoellePhuaLife]

@@adamjulian3360 That's interesting! Thanks for sharing that!

[@Nicole-bo5ey]

I’ve applied to universities to study sociology and this video made me realize how much I truly want to study it!!! I thought I made a mistake but thank you for your video :DD

[@JoellePhuaLife]

aw that's amazing! I'm glad this confirmed it for you, good luck for your studies!