Dealing with the profession of sociology: opportunities and problems at the interface between training and professional development

Abstract

This article analyses and critically discusses the professional situation of sociologists in the system of professions. Some characteristics of the sociological profession are analysed against emerging challenges in the knowledge society. The first section portrays the current situation of sociology in real work contexts as a multisector profession in multidisciplinary settings. The second section analyses some drawbacks in the training and guidance of sociologists by providing significant examples. Spain is used as a strategic research site that exemplifies the existence of a robust academic community facing professional challenges. The third section outlines several strategies for collective action at the interface between the university and the professional domain in order to improve the participation of sociologists in the labour market.