Is There Life after Sociology? Exploring the Career Paths of Former South African Academics in Sociology

Abstract

An overview of the careers of a selected group af socialogists who left academia is presented. Qualitative interviews with 11 female and five male former academic saciologists were conducted. It was found that research participants entered socialogy as postgraduate students by chance, being influenced by socialogy lecturers and/or because of an interest in the subject. After being appointed in academic positions, some experienced a lack of support from senior academics, and even discrimination and unfair treatment. The main reasons given for exiting an academic career include experiences of discrimination, repeatedly being affered contract academic positions, wanting to pursue a related career outside of academia, or the belief that a new career would enhance persanal development. Insights from the expectancy theory and the anchor theory illuminate their reasons for leaving an academic career. After leaving academia, research and writing skills as well as an understanding of interpersonal dynamics (as taught in socialogy) were specifically valued. If sociologists leave academia, a closer relationship between the sociology practised in academic circles and the application of sociology in other sectors of society is suggested. Yet, negative aspects highlighted in the article, such as discrimination against certain participants, are stumbling blacks for fastering such closer relationships.