Why sociology? – Comparing the driving forces behind university degree choice in Norway, Hungary, and England

Hordosy, Rita; Yasdiman, Meryem Betul; Norris, Jennifer

Abstract

This paper pinpoints the driving forces behind university degree choice in social sciences in three European countries. Using an international comparative design, the paper draws on both administrative secondary data to explore enrolment patterns in Hungary, Norway and England, as well as semi-structured interviews comparing perceptions of Bachelors, Masters and PhD sociology students’ of their subject choice (NHU = 17; NNO = 12; NEN = 9). Enrolment figures for institutions offering sociology as a subject between 2008 and 2018 show that in England social sciences in general, and sociology in particular seem to be somewhat larger disciplines compared to Hungary or Norway. Based on student interviews the paper provides a typology along the axes of sociology focusing on oneself or others, and it being a generic or specific discipline. The resultant typology for degree choice ranges from an explanation for personal experience; to gaining tools to understand society, politics, broader inequalities; to sociological studies being a general basis for a career; and to hope for changing others’ inequalities. The paper demonstrates that these diverse motivations are indeed relevant for curriculum planning and facilitating extracurricular participation, for sociology but also the broader social sciences. Students’ motivations are not underpinned by narrow and individualised understanding financial returns to a degree: students aim for a meaningful job exploring, analysing, and aiming to effect change in their broader or narrower societal context.

Citation

Hordosy, R., Yasdiman, M. B., & Norris, J. (in press). Why sociology? – Comparing the driving forces behind university degree choice in Norway, Hungary, and England. Educational Review,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 22, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 24, 2025
• Print ISSN: 0013-1911
• Electronic ISSN: 1465-3397
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/46995786