The survey of the American Sociological Association showed that the master's level sociologists are currently the most employed quota of professionals in the field of sociology, who find employment in a range of settings as program development specialists, policy analysts, planners, researchers, data analysts, community outreach coordinators and human resource directors.
Among settings in which specialists in the field of applied sociology find work are generally community agencies, research organizations, school systems, government bureaus and programs, private businesses, courts and medical facilities. Applied sociologists use sociological knowledge, including the imagination, data, methodologies and theories to analyze real situations and assist individuals and groups in resolving sociology-related problems.
A great number of such experts are members of diverse associations and societies, notably the National Sociological Association, European Sociological Association, the Society for Applied Sociology, International Rural Sociology Association, European Sociology Students' Associations and Sociologists without Borders just to name a few.
Ranked with the most beneficial institutions in the field of applied sociology, the European Sociological Association is a non-profit organization, composed of more than 1,130 members.
ESA was founded in August 1992 with the aim of facilitating sociological research, communication and training on European issues. Taking into consideration the fact Europe is facing currently massive changes, like the increasing integration into the European Union and basic transformations in the Central and East Europe, applied sociology sees its task in contributing to European developments and debates. As one of the facilitators of these processes, ESA plays a key role in organizing the European debate and setting agenda.
The objectives of the European Sociological Association are implemented through a range of activities, including the promotion of research networks, publication of scientific journals and newsletter and holding of conferences among other scientific activities.
ESA membership is open to scholars, contributing actively to the scientific development of sociological knowledge in Europe. Four types of members within the Association include regular, honorary, affiliated and student. Among ESA regular members are scholars who carry out sociological research, teach sociology, have academic degrees in sociology or belong to the members of European national sociological associations.
Affiliate membership is composed of academics in other disciplines interested in the Association's activities, while student membership is open to university level students in sociology-related subjects. Available within ESA is also institutional membership, which is open to institutions that make active contributions to the development of sociological knowledge. All the European National Sociological Associations are represented by the Council of National Associations.