Navigating a Sociological Identity in a Non-Academic Setting: Pros, Cons, and Pathways

• In Event: 4452 - Sociology Outside the Academy: Non-Academic Career Patterns and Implications for Sociological Training

Abstract

Dr. Scardaville is a researcher at the American Institutes for Research in Washington, DC. Her areas of substantive research include social policy, communication and media, and qualitative social research. This presentation will make the case that, in order to remain a vibrant discipline, sociology must achieve two goals. First, as a profession, it must evolve to meet the topography of the current job market. Second, it must stand as equal to other social sciences – such as economics and psychology – as a potent framework for institutions to develop programs and policies and for individuals to understand, interpret and shape their everyday lives. Dr. Scardaville will discuss her work to realize both these goals through the collection of data from sociologists who have received PhDs and are working outside of academia. By systematically gathering information on how these professionals engage with sociology in their careers, this work begins to elucidate the ways in which sociology can be an effective tool outside of a university settings and how graduate school training can better prepare students for this particular career trajectory.

Author

• Melissa C. Scardaville, American Institutes for Research