The Future of Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary Careers in South Africa
Q: I’ve been looking at the numbers, and they look a bit daunting. With zero active job postings currently listed and an average salary of R40,577 per month, is it even worth pursuing a career as a sociology lecturer in South Africa right now?
It is a fair question. When you see "0 active jobs" on a recruitment portal, it doesn't mean the profession is dead; rather, it reflects how academia works in South Africa. Most postsecondary positions in sociology are filled through internal university portals, long-term academic networking, or specific DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training) programmes. The salary of roughly R40,000 is a starting point for junior lecturers, but as you move toward becoming a senior lecturer or professor, that figure scales significantly.
The reality is that the traditional "teacher" role is evolving. We are seeing a shift where sociology is no longer just about lecturing from a podium; it’s about research, social impact, and navigating a very competitive funding landscape.
Q: That makes sense. But what is actually changing within the departments? How is the "industry" of sociology education shifting?
The most significant trend is the "decolonisation of the curriculum." In South African universities, there is a massive drive to move away from purely Western sociological theories and integrate more Afrocentric perspectives. This creates a unique opportunity for new teachers who can bridge that gap.
Secondly, we are seeing a heavy lean toward "Digital Sociology." As South Africa grapples with the digital divide and the impact of social media on our democracy, sociology teachers are now expected to be tech-savvy. You aren't just teaching Marx and Durkheim anymore; you’re teaching data ethics, digital surveillance, and how algorithms affect social inequality in a local context.
Q: If the university job market is so tight, are there emerging opportunities outside of the lecture hall?
Absolutely. This is where the future gets interesting. We are seeing sociology postgraduates and academics being headhunted by the private sector for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roles. Companies in South Africa are under immense pressure to understand their social impact, and who better to guide them than someone trained in social systems and power dynamics?
There is also a growing demand for "Applied Sociologists" in policy houses and NGOs. Instead of just teaching theory, these professionals are designing social programmes to tackle youth unemployment or healthcare access. The "teacher" of the future might spend half their time in a classroom and the other half consulting for the government or a multi-national organisation.
Q: What does the future outlook look like over the next five to ten years?
The outlook is cautiously optimistic but requires a pivot. The traditional "tenure track" is becoming harder to find. However, the need for people who can make sense of South Africa’s complex social fabric is higher than ever. We expect to see more "interdisciplinary" roles. You might find yourself teaching sociology within a Business School or a Faculty of Health Sciences, helping doctors or CEOs understand the social determinants of health or consumer behaviour.
Q: What is your expert advice for someone wanting to break into this field or stay relevant?
My advice is three-fold:
- Don't just teach, publish: In the South African postsecondary space, your research output is your currency. Focus on niche areas like urban sociology or the sociology of work in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Embrace the "Hybrid" model: Organise your career to include both academic teaching and private consultancy. This not only buffers you against the R40,000 average salary but also keeps your teaching material grounded in real-world South African issues.
- Get comfortable with Data: Learn to use tools like NVivo or even basic Python for social research. The future sociology teacher is a data-literate one.
The market is tough, but for those who can realise the value of sociology in solving practical problems, the opportunities are there—even if they aren't always advertised on a standard job board.
Are you ready to see if your skills align with the evolving landscape of South African academia?
Take our Career Assessment today to map out your path in Sociology.
