or
The Social Sciences ?
By
Ree Titus
Special Note: This web paper was published in printed
format
by
Chronicle Guidance Publications, CGP Reprint R-200, January 2001
Abstract
Special Note: This web paper was published in printed
format
by
Chronicle Guidance Publications, CGP Reprint R-200, January 2001
Abstract
I have learned much about the professional fields of Geography
and the employment opportunities available to a trained geographer. My
knowledge of geography as a profession was very limited.
After my studies, I have concluded that I would be a good Human Geographer
and
that the other social sciences that interest me are History,
Archeology, Genealogy, Anthropology, require similar skills. I am going
to inquire
within the organization where I am currently employed
if there are any trained geographers in our Environmental Department. There
may be
other employment opportunities I had not even considered
within the corporation. This study has been thought provoking.
Introduction
Applicable National Standards
Discuss the Social Sciences
Discuss the Fields
of Study in Geography Field
Comparison of Social
Sciences and Geography Fields of Interest
Conclusion
End notes
Bibliography
The employment field is rapidly changing new jobs are being created and recreated and many old ones are disappearing this is due primarily to the fact that technology has affected how we do our jobs. Employees that are not able to embrace change, learn new skills, and be a team player will find it difficult to secure positions. Employees are no longer paid a premium for seniority, but for continued development of skills. To acquire a good paying position and remain at the top of your field you most have a strategic plan. A strategic employment plan incorporates knowledge about changes in economics, business practices, personal attributes, and future expectations into its action steps.
My paper is applicable to the standards listed under Human Systems and Environment and Society in the National Standards for Geography. Because the earth is constantly being modified by human existence and activity the need for geographers and planners has arisen, this is standard number fourteen. As we change how we accomplish our job functions within a hi-tech society we witness the changing networks of economic interdependence, standard number eleven. The world is becoming more diverse and globally interactive, we as individuals should not forget this when developing an employment strategy. Standard number sixteen.
The Social Sciences are divided in eight fields of specialty
that overlap in some areas. Social Sciences develop theories and
find facts as to why humans and societies mature and behave as they do.
They analyze the past and present and in many cases offer solutions for
current dilemmas and are the soothsayers of the future events in history.
The eight specialist in the social sciences are anthropologist, economist,
geographers, historians, political scientists, psychologist, sociologist,
and urban and regional planners (1).
Anthropologist study the origin, physical development,
social life and behavior of humans. There are four disciplines of study
in he specialty of anthropology sociocultural anthropology, archaeology,
linguistics , or biological-physical anthropology. Sociocultural anthropologist
study the customs, cultures, and social lives of groups. Archaeologist
study the remains of past civilizations to understand more about their
philosophies and how they lived. Linguistics seek to interpret and understand
the role of language in a society. Biological-physical anthropologist
study the evolving human body and how it has been influenced by culture
and biology.
Economist study the production, distribution,
and consumption of goods and services (1) . They offer practical business
advice about money and finance and give what if scenarios about the economy.
Geographers fall in one of three major groups
physical, human, and technical. I will discuss these more detail later
in my papers.
Historians research, study, analyze, and preserve
the past.
Political scientists study political systems and
policy.
Psychologist study behavior patterns, counsel,
and advise groups or individuals.
Sociologist study human society and social behavior
by examining the groups and social institutions that people form.
Urban and Regional Planners develop plans and
programs for the use of land.
Geography Fields
Geography is more than memorizing facts about places
and their locations on a map. Geography is the complex gathering of data
and analyzing the data. A good geographer possesses a vast range
of marketable skills. There are eight primary geography fields and
each field has a its own career opportunities. The geographic fields
are Regional Geography, Environmental Studies, Cartography & GIS, Urban
& Regional Planning, Economic Geography, Geographic Education, Physical
Geography & Earth Science, and Cultural & Human Geography (3).
The careers in Regional Geography are Area Specialist, International Business Representative, and Travel Agent. An Area Specialist studies the specific countries or areas of the world and usually becomes fluid in the language of the inhabitants and understands their daily customs and routines. An Area Specialist make write speeches for the president, brief government diplomats, and assist in developing policy on key issues. An International Business Representative aids organizations in securing markets in foreign countries. The demand for this type of individual will grow dramatically in the next decade.
Environmental Studies careers are Environmental Managers, Forestry Technician, Park Ranger, and Hazardous- Waste Planner. Environmental Managers work in the private and governmental sector. They manage, protect and conserve resources and establish policies that direct humans on how they are best use limited natural resources. Forest Technicians plan the distribution of our forest. Forest Technicians are need in the private and public sector. Park Rangers enforce the existing laws to protect the beauty of our natural lands and the animals that live on the land.Hazardous-Waste Planners are employed by large chemical companies and waste management industries.
Careers in Cartography and Geographic Information System are Cartographer/Computer Mapper, Geographic Information System Specialist, Remote –Sensing Analyst, and Surveyor. Cartography is the science of making maps. The Federal and State governments have a large staff to produce maps of various sites for many purposes including national defense. There are also companies that are in business to draw and sell maps. Other industries like utilities employ mappers. GIS Specialist are trained to run geographic information systems that store, display, analyze, and map information. GIS systems are used by a wide spectrum of individuals, governments, real estate agents, urban planners, and construction companies. Remote-Sensing Analyst use aerial pictures and satellite images to draw maps and interpret activity. Surveyors provide accurate maps and ensure that physical infrastructure is located where it should be.
Urban & Regional Planning Geographers are usually employed by cities. A prime directive for an Urban Geographer is to enhance the quality of life for residents. Urban and Community Planners o manage and enhance the cities natural resources. Transportation Planners balance the use of our highways with the needs of people to get from point A to point B. Health Service Planners work with physicians and medical professionals to ensure that health facilities are ample and located in proper places to meet the populations needs.
Economic Geography has employment opportunities for location experts, market researchers, traffic manager/route delivery managers, and real estate agents. Location Experts and Market Researcher use demographic information to determine where to locate businesses, what to manufacture, who will buy the products, and to interpret the consumption habits of a given region. Traffic Managers and Route Mangers determine the best mode of transportation for their products and the most efficient route to get their products to the market place. Real Estate Brokers must understand zoning and location areas to evaluate the price of land and real estate.
Geography Educators will see a continued demand for their profession as geography is becoming a core subject just like English, and basic math from the elementary through college level. The education field will be one of the fastest growing professions through the year ,2006. The three basic education employment fields are elementary/secondary teacher, college professor, and overseas teacher.
Physical Geography & Earth Science careers are weather forecasting , outdoor guide, coastal zone manager, soil conservationist/agricultural agent, and hydrologist. Weather Forecasters must understand the climate and the forces of nature that influence the weather patterns. Weather Forecasters work for the government and large agribusiness corporations as well as radio and television stations. Outdoor guides are familiar with the landscape, wildlife, and vegetation of different areas. Outdoor guides are able to lead exploring campaigns, nature hikes, and expeditions where the participants may have to live using the natural resources to survive. Coastal Zone Managers must plan and manage sensitive areas as marshland, bays, ports, and river mouths. Coastal Managers are usually consulted when there is an oil spill. Soil Conservationists are used by farmers to study the soil and make recommendations that affect crops and livestock. Soil Conservationists must also be able to apply drainage and contour maps. Hydrologist study the sources of water, its purity, and prepare plans as to what the long-term should be for the use of water.
Cultural & Human Geographers play a key role as Peace Corps Volunteers. Peace Corps Volunteers help others develop their resources and at the same time study the culture of the group they are aiding. Community Developers and Map Librarians are identified as career possibilities in the cultural and human field. Community Developer labor at recreating a town using programs that change a community into a place that attracts the best of society. Map Librarians catalogue, and classify maps in large libraries.
I have narrowed my field of interest to sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, history, museum curator, librarian research geographer, and junior college geography teacher. The education requirements for each of the field I have chosen are similar. I will need to attain a master’s Degree to do well in the areas I have chosen but I will be able to find employment with a bachelor’s degree. It seems that almost all of my choices overlap and require some of the same skills, think critically and constructively, work productively with others, investigate library and electronic information, use data gathering skills, collate information, and combine and supplement existing information transforming it into new knowledge. One of the preliminaries I had not anticipated is that the working conditions of an anthropologist, archaeologist, or historian could possibly present a physical challenge as they go out into various areas to collect and gather data. The demand for teachers is greater than any of the other careers I am interested in. Education is one of the twenty-five fastest growing employment occupations (2). Education would be stable employment but it does not seem to offer the adventure that archaeology, anthropology, or history does. The growth rate for positions in anthropology, history, and archeology will be slower than the average growth of the average occupation. Education and all of the careers I like would be occupations that I could continue to work in past the retirement age of sixty-two if I periodically took refresher courses and continued to be actively involved in professional organizations. The salaries in the fields I have chosen are not astronomical. Monetary compensation was not a high priority concern when I made my choices. The two following charts are based on information from government statistics (2).
$
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| GEOGRAPHY |
$ 47,850.00
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| HISTORY |
$ 55,750.00
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| SOCIOLOGY |
$ 64,720.00
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| ARCHEOLOGY |
$ 43,450.00
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| BA no experience | $19,500 - $24,200 | |
| range in salary depends on grades | ||
| Master’s degree starting salary |
$29,600
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| Ph.D. degree starting salary |
$35,800
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| Advanced Degree and experience - starting |
42,900
|
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Employment choices are one of ways individual express their personalities throughout their working years. As we mature there is a sense of urgency as to what we fill our days on earth doing. Frequently individuals become more concerned about the aesthetics of life and pursuing activities that center around rewards that are not monetary. Human and cultural geography, anthropology, archeology , and history are stimulating subjects that do not have a precedence for being compensated highly monetarily. Geography is one of the occupations that is not highly advertised and as consequence is not recognized for the skills that are required. I am convinced that the majority of the population regard geographers as map drawers and memorizor of facts about places and societies not as skilled researchers, fact finders, analyzers, and policy makers. The image of a geographer needs to be update. The new image must be sold to the general public. The accomplishments of geographers most be highlighted more in the day to day information modes of the average citizen. I have not made a final decision as to what my prospective career will be, but geography will be one of the professions that I am seriously considering. When choosing a career, one should consider the following :
education and experience needed to meet the requirements of the job;
time and money needed to fill any requirements you do not currently have
occupation growth;
satisfaction with the major aspects of the job.
The most important component to occupation satisfaction is the response of the individual.
"Social Scientists". Occupational Outlook Handbook.
"Tomorrow’s Jobs". Occupational Outlook Handbook
"Careers The variety of Geographic Field".
Frazier, John W. "Geography in the Workplace: A Personal Assessment with a Look to the Future"
J. G. Ferguson Publishing Company. "Encyclopedia of Career and Vocational Guidance." Vol. 2. 8th ed. Chicago: Illinois, 1990.
United Sates. Department of Labor. "Dictionary of Occupational Titles."Vol.4th ed. Washington: D.C., 1991.
Walker & Company. "Career Choices For The 90’s For Students of History." Walker Publishing Company Inc. New York: 1990.
"Geography as a Career Choice, By Oklahoma State Education Board" Ece Page .1999.
http://www.geog.okstate.edu/ecs/page2.htm1(April 11, 1999).
"Social Scientists, United States, 1998." 1998-99 Occupational Outlook Handbook. 1998
http://www.stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos054.htm(April 5, 1999).
"Tomorrow’s Jobs, United Sates, 1998." 1998-99 Occupational Outlook Handbood.1998 http://www.stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos065.htm(April 5, 1999).
"Careers: The variety of Geographic Fields." Ohio State University 1998 http://www.muohio.edu/~geocwis/careers/geo_careers.htm(April 5, 1999).
Created 4-29-99
Return to Lesson
Plans and Research Paper, 1999
