Social Sciences, Sociology

The social sciences examine the question of how the interaction of social, economic, cultural and political conditions creates the structures that ensure that social systems function. They do this both empirically and systematically. In this way, they bring about the most precise, largely quantitative research into concrete circumstances as well as generally valid formulations of findings and social-philosophical theories. As independent sciences, they are closely related to other disciplines, such as economics, political science, philosophy, ethnology, psychology and education. Some universities offer courses with a sociological focus, for example in economics.

In addition to sociology and social sciences, the subjects in this area also include gender studies and criminology.

In the bachelor's program, students take modules in core subjects such as empirical social research (including IT and statistics), political science and sociology (including socioeconomics), social structures and social structure analysis. There are additional modules on mediation procedures or conflict management strategies.

For example, the following areas of focus can be chosen in the master's program: youth, family and educational sociology, industrial and business sociology, sociology of gender relations, medical sociology, work and organizational sociology, peace and conflict research, empirical social research.

There is no clearly defined area of responsibility for social scientists and sociologists, and the possible areas of application are correspondingly broad. Sociologists work, for example, , in the following areas.

• in research at universities and state research institutions,
• at market and opinion research institutes, multimedia and advertising agencies,
• in teaching and instruction, e.g. in adult education and at (university) schools,
• in public administration, e.g. in urban planning offices, in social work, in youth welfare, in the penal system, in federal and state ministries, in health care,
• in companies, e.g. in the areas of human resources, training and further education, statistics and market research, public relations,
• in business and labor associations and organizations, in political parties, in church institutions and aid organizations
• in the media sector at radio and television stations, at publishing houses.