What does a sociologist do for work?

I'm really interested in studying societies and human behavior. Can someone explain what a sociologist actually does in their job? Is it similar to psychology? Also, what kind of college majors should I consider for this career path?

A sociologist essentially studies the behavior of social groups and how individuals interact within these groups. They analyze the impact of social influences on human behaviors and the differences in human societies. They conduct research using various methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, and analysis of historical documents to understand social phenomena.

While it might seem similar to psychology, sociology actually differs as it focuses on groups or a society at large rather than individual behaviors, which is primarily the focus of psychology. However, both fields intersect in understanding social behavior.

If you are interested in becoming a sociologist, you could consider majoring in Sociology since it's directly applicable. This would provide you with an insight into different social structures, social theory, social research, and social policy. It also lays a solid foundation for understanding human behavior in a societal context. Additionally, you could consider pursuing related fields like Social Anthropology, Social Work or even majoring in Cultural Studies. Double-majoring or minoring in Psychology could also give a broader perspective.

Remember to also check if the universities you're considering offer research opportunities, as having experience in conducting research is beneficial for a sociologist.