Should I switch my major to Sociology?

[Husseinisdoingfine]

Hi y'all

I recently had a discussion with my family about my college major, and they're very concerned with me majoring in Physics at my University. The reason is that I've never been talented at math, always requiring special attention and help when engaging in math classes, and even then I would perform poorly. 

I'm taking Physics largely out of petty ego, to sort of prove to myself that I can. I also vaguely think that Physics will lead me to some sort of existential truth about reality. I've always been dysfunctional academically and getting a Physics degree is as well my way of redeeming myself.

I also watch Jordan Peterson talk about IQ, and I feel very insecure about my IQ and feel as if I have to get a Physics degree to atone for past academic failures.

I'm naturally passionate about society, culture, spiral dynamics, etc... I have since middle school been reading Economic literature, Karl Marx, Fredrich Engels, Emile Durkheim, and other political, society figures just for fun. I remember when Leo first introduced me to Spiral Dynamics, I bought the book as recommended by the reading list and I read the whole thing in a few sittings (took me about a week, less than that, and I had a blast). 

So I naturally find Sociology to be interesting, but I'm put off from switching my major to Sociology for two major reasons:

• Sociology is not a profitable field

This is self explanatory, people often choose STEM because that's where the money is.

• Sociology is not a "real" science

Contemporary wisdom teaches that there are the real and hard sciences. But then there are the fluffy soft sciences, such as sociology. Is this correct? Is (as Jordan Peterson would have you believe) Sociology for the low IQ who are not smart enough to get a STEM degree, and not a real and hard science?

Is sociology an important field?

What do you think? I want to hear specifically from Leo, because in the Life Purpose Course, he talked about how he switched his major from engineering to philosophy.

I'm worried about the difficulty of Physics. If I struggle with Calculus I, then how am I going to solve differential equations? I don't want to be very late in getting my degree. I have one friend who's ten years into college, and I don't want to end up like him.

[Raze]

Sociology is often a regretted major, unless you are in love with it you should pick something else. Perhaps major in psychology or business administration with a minor in sociology or social psychology.

Edited August 21 by Raze

[Husseinisdoingfine]

I’m not passionate about psychology or business though.

[Nemra]

@Husseinisdoingfine

Why not learn some skill and get a job and learn what you like along the way?

Maybe you can save money and then apply to college for sociology. You wouldn't even have to worry what your family thinks about your education.

Edited August 22 by Nemra

[Carl-Richard]

You can increase your IQ with brain training and high-intensity physical exercise. However, the biggest increase you'll see from doing something you're passionate about.

[WonderSeeker]

On 8/21/2024 at 11:38 AM, Husseinisdoingfine said:

Hi y'all

I recently had a discussion with my family about my college major, and they're very concerned with me majoring in Physics at my University. The reason is that I've never been talented at math, always requiring special attention and help when engaging in math classes, and even then I would perform poorly. 

Interesting, you lead with your family's concern over your major. Then your own self-doubts. Then Peterson's and society's supposed view of sociology as a field of study.

And my question is: Why?

Don't let anyone pimp you out if you know what's right for you. 

I studied geology all the way through a masters. Loved every step of the way, even though I wasn't sure what I'd do for work once I finished. During senior year (year 3 out of 6) I began experimenting with mind-altering substances and studying psychology, philosophy and spirituality on the side. 

So there. It's not uncommon to have your interests switch part way through college. Just keep your options open. Maybe it's not either/or, but some third option you're not seeing yet.

Today I work as a geologic consultant but I still read and "practice" tons of psych (mostly trauma work now) and dabble in psychedelics. 

As @Carl-Richard said: passion grows the brain.

[Bobby_2021]

As far as Physics and Math is concerned, you need to practice, a lot. Like repeat solving a single problem 25 times. Don't rush it either. Take time with each repetition. And do it over and over again till you get the hung of it. Do it over 6 months to a year. Buy cheap paper and commit yourself to practice. Grok it till you can no more.

Once you get the essence of math, then you wouldn't have to do the same repetition again and again to have the same level of expertise. Math & physics would feel like a breeze.

I recommend going the physics way for a more promising future. 

[Chadders]

@Husseinisdoingfine Always go with your heart in terms of what you actually want to do. The rest will follow

Even with a sociology degree you can still get degree level jobs in corporate like sales, project management, marketing etc

You can also train within in demand roles like teaching or nursing. Obvs this does depend on what country you are from though

Ultimately you are not tied to your degree. Don’t waste three years on something you do not like