Social Sciences - About this industry
Putaiao a-Iwi
Most social scientists work for the public sector
The public sector is a major employer of social scientists. Employers of social scientists include:
- universities and polytechnics
- local authorities, such as city and district councils
- government departments
- the health sector
- private research consulting firms
- non-profit organisations
- marketing and advertising firms.
Historic Places Act offers increase in employment for archaeologists
The Historic Places Act, which protects all archaeological sites from inappropriate use and development, ensures that wherever there is infrastructure, forestry, mining or construction work there is generally a need for an archaeologist.
The increase in construction has caused a greater demand for archaeologists as before development work can commence, a detailed archaeological examination is required to ensure that historic artefacts and sites are safely preserved.
Academic positions continue to be limited
Social sciences positions in universities continue to be limited. As competition is high, prospects are best for those with postgraduate qualifications.
A popular way for graduate social scientists to gain employment is to volunteer their services. This enables them to make contacts, and get a foot in the door.
Number of freelance opportunities expanding
A growing number of social scientists are self-employed. This is because there has been an increase in the amount of short-term contract work available. This work involves providing consultant, research or advisory services, or writing books and reports.More organisations rely on population data
Some social scientists work as independent consultants
New Zealand's demography is changing significantly because of:
- slower population growth
- an ageing population
- growing ethnic diversity.
- As a result of these factors, there has been an increase in the demand for population data to help predict and plan for future services and products.
These changes will have major implications for planning and policy making in the private and public sectors, which will result in a greater need for demographers in a range of organisations.
Marketing, advertising and public relations sectors will also create more job opportunities for demographers, as they rely on population data to predict future trends.
A growing number of social scientists are self-employed. This is because there has been an increase in the amount of short-term contract work available. This work involves providing consultant, research or advisory services, or writing books and reports.
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