Sociology: Looking to the Future. The
future appears bright for sociology. The next century may
be the most exciting
and critical period in the fields history. People increasingly
realize that we must renew attempts to understand, ameliorate,
or solve problems in the United States and around the
world-problems
that affect individuals, like alcoholism or unemployment,
and problems that affect societies, like ethnic conflict
or environmental pollution. Some of the best employment
prospects may be in policy research and administration,
in clinical and applied sociological practice, as well
as in the traditional areas of teaching and basic research.
All this makes for an optimistic employment picture
for sociology graduates. Because of its appeal as a career
that is intrinsically fascinating and allows one to contribute
to the common good, many talented people are drawn to sociology.
The field remains exciting and competitive.
