The Employment of 1970 Sociology Graduates: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

As part of an enquiry into the employment of sociology graduates, a preliminary questionnaire was sent out to all students graduating with a first degree in sociology in 1970. This brief questionnaire has provided information on the broad post-graduation categories entered by the graduates which allows a comparison to be made with similar data obtained by Banks in 1952 and Abbott in 1966. Preceding a discussion of the replies given by the graduates is an analysis of the distribution of degrees awarded and their relationship to the sex of the graduate, nature of the degree course, and the type of institution attended. The evidence points to the fact that university trained graduates, especially those who are sociology specialists, obtain better class degrees than those who have studied at non-university institutions. On the whole, males graduate with better degrees than females. Within degree grade, however, it is the sex of the graduate that shapes immediate post-graduation career plans, with males being more likely to continue studying.