Sociology Career in Social Planning

Social planning is the development of laws, policies, and programs to meet community needs and improve infrastructure, services, and social outcomes. A degree in sociology is ideally suited to this career. Through our methodological and theoretical insights, applied sociologists are well placed to meaningfully canvas community concerns, as well as monitoring and evaluating the implementation of projects. Today’s post looks at this career path and a case study of how one graduate went from studying sociology to managing large projects.

What is social planning?

Social planning is the process by which policymakers ‘try to solve community problems or improve conditions in the community by devising and implementing policies intended to have certain results’:

‘These policies may take the form of laws, regulations, incentives, media campaigns, programs or services, information – a wide range of possibilities.’

Social planning is typically carried out by governments at all levels (local, state, and federal), nonprofit agencies, local councils, and community groups.

Examples of social planning include affordable housing, and health and wellbeing initiatives.

Social research is a central requirement of social planning. This may involve literature reviews, demographic and statistical analysis, surveys, interviews, workshops, focus groups, and evaluation, such as social impact assessments. Examples of research projects in social planning include leading community and stakeholder engagement to draft a local city action plan, and removing a railway crossing.

A ‘top-down’ approach to social planning, where policies are developed without meaningful community engagement, leads to poor outcomes, but a participatory approach leads to better short- and long-term outcomes. This includes partnerships with communities in social planning efforts, and creating ways for community members to request changes over time.

Career path in social planning

Tamara Kerr, who graduated with a Bachelor degree in sociology and criminology in Australia, built work experience as a youth counsellor in state government, and managing research projects at a university. She delivered data modelling, forecasting and policy analysis. She then gained a Master’s degree, and now works in social planning in Canada.

Kerr’s job involves ‘writing, research, facilitation, and working with the community.’ She works with community members in group settings and to develop local strategies.

Her projects include: ‘planning for child care, early years programs, supports for families, employment and income support programs, senior’s services, and housing and homelessness.’

She encourages sociology students to build quantitative research skills, as well as formal project management.

‘For those interested in a social planning career, Tamara recommends learning as much as you can about statistics and complex research problems as being a planner involves assessing data and making recommendations that can have an impact on the future of a community. Having some experience in project management or strategic planning is an asset as her line of work is project based. Many personalities can fit into a role as a planner, but it is important to have an interest in public service and be adaptable.’

Next time, we’ll look at how to find jobs in social planning, and how to stand out by emphasising your sociological training.

Resources

See our Careers in Applied Sociology series, for advice on how to search for jobs, how to write your CV and resume, and how to apply for a job.

Credits

Kerr’s profile and quotes via Wilfrid Laurier University.