What is Social Psychology?
Social Psychology is the scientific study of the many different ways in which people think, feel, and act in the presence of other imaginary or real people surrounding them. Generally, it is seen that most of the people act in a different manner when they come into contact with different groups of people. For instance, an individual acts in one way when he or she is with family and in another manner in the presence of an unknown person or a friend. What we do, think, and feel is more or less always influenced by the people around us at different times.
Social Psychology teaches us how an individual is influenced in a different manner in the presence of one or more individuals. Mostly the thoughts and behaviors are influenced in the presence of a real person but sometime an individual may get affected as a result of an implied imaginary existence.
Social Psychology has helped in studying things like crime, hatred, bullying, and more such areas and is still growing its field and also can be applied to various other fields.
Importance of Social Psychology
Unfortunately, the environment is facing a rising number of social problems in many ways. The areas that can be studied with the help of Social Psychology to bring an end to these problems are substance abuse, prejudice, bullying, family and other domestic problems, community health problems (for e.g. HIV-AIDS).
The group of people does not always have a negative influence but in case of certain people things turn out that way in the presence of selective individuals. Social Psychology helps to study such situations and find out prospective solutions to these problems for the benefit of human lives.
Job opportunities with Social Psychology
An individual who aspires to have a career in this field is known as a Social Psychologist. A bachelor, master, or doctorate degree is required to earn in order to do a job here. The higher the degree is, the wider is the opportunity. A person having a doctorate degree compared to one having only a bachelor’s degree is free to practice independently or can work in a clinic with medical practitioners.
Social Psychologists go for an analysis of old records and conduct new researches to find the remedies to find a way out from the numerous difficult situations cropping up in the society or in the life of an individual.
Social Psychologists can go for a job in a variety of different organizations and areas like:
- Research and Development – Social Psychologists can find research-oriented jobs in private and government organizations and find scopes for development
- Schools and colleges
- Rehab Centres or Correctional homes
- Organizations linked with Social Welfare causes
- Advertising and marketing agencies
- Faculty for aspiring Social Psychologists
There are many forms of job a Social Psychologist can choose from irrespective of the positive welfare works they require to conduct. They create a better environment for society as well as individuals suffering from psychological problems through studying the various factors causing such effects. Through constant research work provides solutions creating a healthy atmosphere for every social creature.