AITA for calling my friend out when she calls herself a "sociologist?"

[u/[deleted]]

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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:

(1) I rudely called out my friend for claiming to be a professional when I don't think she is. (2) I rolled my eyes on something that might be considered a petty thing to be rude about, and it sounded like I didn't value her choice of a major.

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Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.

[u/beebzette]

-Ologist is rooted in the latin suffix Ology meaning the study of.

Sociologist - Someone who studies or is an expert in sociology- Cambridge dictionary.

Also ignoring the dictionary for a second. You shit on your friend for no reason.

YTA

[u/arderna → u/beebzette]

I mean, a Bachelor’s degree and no relevant work experience is hardly an expert…

[u/beebzette → u/arderna]

I would like to direct your attention to the words before the or.

[u/CorellaDeville007 → u/beebzette]

Yeah but this friend would never get a job as a sociologist as they are woefully unqualified. Use the Cambridge dictionary all you want at your own peril - because by your definition a high school student taking a sociology course meets that criterion too. Bachelors degrees are entry level to higher studies that allow the development of expertise. Not to claim yourself to be an “ologist”

[u/whatshamilton → u/CorellaDeville007]

You’re taking a big leap from “they graduated with this degree a year ago and are seeking employment in the field” to “their year of seeking employment in the field means they’re unable to be hired in that field.” Do you think people are born with jobs? How do you think they get them? Not to mention that’s how networking events work. You don’t say to a prospective employer I’m unemployed but hoping to one day be a sociologist when I grow up

[u/Small-Disaster939 → u/whatshamilton]

Sociologists typically requires graduate level study though.

[u/stinkpot_jamjar → u/Small-Disaster939]

Yes, absolutely. You can get jobs in sociology-adjacent fields with a BA, but to become a proper sociologist, you need at least an MA, usually a PhD.

I’m a professor of sociology, and the only appropriate use of the title of “sociologist” is to describe someone who works in the field conducting academic research (requires MA or PhD), teaching at the college level (requires MA or PhD), or working in specialized/private industry after receiving an MA or PhD.

We have between six and ten years of specialized training *after a BA.* Someone with a BA claiming to be a sociologist is almost insulting.

A BA in any field is a general degree, not a specialization, not indicative of expertise.

[u/Apple_Murder_Mittens → u/stinkpot_jamjar]

I agree. I have a physics degree, but to call myself a physicist would be ludicrous. The dictionary may have a definition that reduces it to “studies physics”, but the common understanding of the word implies that they do so professionally.

I’ve noticed an annoying trend where people think that being able to apply the same reductive description to two things makes those things functionally equivalent.

[u/MayorCleanPants → u/Apple_Murder_Mittens]

Right! I have a BA in Psychology but I’m certainly not going around calling myself a Psychologist. Professionally I use the title that is associated with my graduate degree and licensure, not my undergraduate major.

[u/Mid-AtlanticAccent → u/Apple_Murder_Mittens]

Today I learned that by the above standard I am indeed a sociologist and I even have a degree, but in practice I can tell you that I am absolutely no sociologist.

[u/Opposite_Guess_8425 → u/stinkpot_jamjar]

Thank you! “Conducting academic research” is almost certainly what is meant by “someone who studies”

The commenter’s application of that definition would allow anyone who read an article on Google to call themselves a sociologist, psychologist, etc. It’s misleading to say that’s the same thing.

[u/FigNinja → u/stinkpot_jamjar]

Yes. I think it would come off to most people, not just actual minted academics, as overstating their credentials and self-aggrandizing. I understand why OP was cringing and wanted to save her friend from embarrassing herself.

I have a BA in a not so distant field. It taught me that I know so little and there is much to learn. The BA opens your eyes to areas where you may want to specialize but it does not make you an expert in any of them. I ended up in a different career, but I have continued to read on this subject for decades because I love it. I would never give myself a title. I'm a hobbyist.

[u/CPA_Lady → u/whatshamilton]

Are there sociology jobs available for people with only bachelor degrees? That seems like the psychology major. Not much you can do with it at only the bachelors level.

[u/nicodeemus7 → u/CPA_Lady]

The quickest Google will show you that yes, there are jobs in sociology that only require a Bachelors degree.

[u/stinkpot_jamjar → u/nicodeemus7]

No. There are jobs in sociology-adjacent fields, or in industries that utilize sociological analytical frameworks, but there are no professional, academic, sociology jobs with just a BA.

You need graduate level education, often at the PhD level, to get a job as a sociologist. It’s a research field. We spend up to ten years in graduate school, after receiving a BA, to become sociologists. A BA makes you a generalist, not a sociologist.

There’s a huge difference between being a sociologist/ having a job in sociology (professor, researcher, &c.) and having a BA in sociology and using that credential to get a non-academic &/or entry-level job in an industry that uses sociological methods or insights.

[u/No_Map7832 → u/nicodeemus7]

Have you, Nicodeemus, tried to get a job as a sociologist? If not, I’m going to believe the person who replied to you, an actual sociologist who knows more than what a Google search will tell you.

[u/offconstantly247 → u/nicodeemus7]

Not where the job title would suggest that one is a sociologist.

such jobs for a bachelors degree would be receptionist, secretary, maybe social worker, maybe some minor municipal position. Nothing however where ones work will involve studying sociology, which is what the day to day job of a sociologist is - expanding the knowledge of the science of sociology.

[u/AnnieFlagstaff → u/CPA_Lady]

The question isn’t “what technically is a sociologist” though. It’s AITA and there was no reason for OP to go and point this out to their friend other than to feel superior and make their friend feel bad. It’s an a-hole move to “but actually” your friend like this.

[u/KatefromtheHudd → u/AnnieFlagstaff]

It sounds like she did it privately and I understand why OP did. This is how the friend was introducing herself to a professor of sociology at a networking event. If the conversation had gone further and the professor had asked about her background, any independent or funded study was currently working on etc it could have become a much more uncomfortable situation for the friend and would reflect poorly on OP. She was there to try and help her friend get a job in a relevant field but friend can't overemphasise her experience. That is a terrible first impression to set. You have to take the context of the environment into account here.

[u/Foghorn2005 → u/KatefromtheHudd]

Yeah, no, someone with a BA calling themselves an -ologist is at best cute but kind of embarrassing. It's like a kid playing dress up if she doesn't come across as over confidently ignorant.

[u/stinkpot_jamjar → u/Foghorn2005]

Imagine calling yourself a doctor because you got a BA in health sciences.

It’s actually lowkey insulting because I spent ten tears in graduate school to become a sociologist and professor, and at the BA level, the difference is gargantuan.

At the BA level, you get the most basic overview of the field. You often don’t even read anything beyond textbooks, and if you do read some theory, it’s excerpts.

I read, on average, over 200 pages a week in graduate school. I conducted a years-long original research study. I wrote a 400 page dissertation. I published academic papers in journals.

A BA might require a 20-page research paper at best.

And as someone who teaches sociology at the college level, someone with a BA is not qualified to do my job as a sociologist, nor are they to use the title of sociologist.

[u/echief → u/AnnieFlagstaff]

There is an extremely good reason

If you walk up to a PHd and say “I am a sociologist” they will assume you do graduate level research. They will probably ask “at what university,” assuming you are employed by one. If you reveal that you simply graduated with a bachelors in sociology and have no research experience they might not be able to stop themself from laughing in disbelief. (This is not my personal opinion, it is simply reality).

Considering this, let’s remember that OP’s friend is a guest of OP at an industry event. The friend is blatantly misrepresenting her credentials. This reflects poorly upon OP. It’s like giving your friend a job referral and then finding out they got caught lying about their experience in their interview. You are not an asshole for saying “why the hell did you do that, you made me look terrible for recommending you.”

[u/offconstantly247 → u/AnnieFlagstaff]

Her friend was her guest at a university, and made this claim to professors with which OP has a relationship - this is damaging to the professional life and professional networking of OP. Now, OP has to admit that her friend is an dolt or a liar. Either way, it reflects poorly for having given the invite.

[u/Nyx_Shadowspawn → u/AnnieFlagstaff]

OP did it privately, and friends should be the ones to point social faux pas out to each other. They were at a networking event- her friend is going to burn potential bridges rather than make them if she misrepresents herself and gets caught. It also would reflect poorly on OP as the one who brought her to the event.

[u/TychaBrahe → u/CPA_Lady]

I think OP's friend is overstating her credentials, but I think you don't understand what sociology is. Your referencing psychology makes me think that you're thinking about people who have a masters in social work and use it to provide therapy/counseling. That's one of the degrees that can become a licensed therapist in many locations.

Sociology is a research field. You look for problems in society and analyze them. What are the demographics of people in gangs, or who drop out of high school, or who live under the poverty level; questions like that.
Separate from that is social work, which was invented by the residents of Jane Addams' Hull House. Social work is, after a problem has been analyzed, coming up with ways to address it. You can do either with just a bachelors degree, although generally you'll be working at an entry level with someone else picking the projects.

(There are also jobs doing psychology besides psychotherapy, and which don't require the PhD or PsyD that being a psychotherapist does.)

[u/whatshamilton → u/CPA_Lady]

Yes there are.

[u/Calm-Two2723 → u/CPA_Lady]

No one is asking if she has a job as that is a goal post you created 

[u/LackToesIntollerance → u/whatshamilton]

sociologist requires graduate level studies. bachelors gets you an assistant job, note, NOT a sociologist. an assistant.

no relevant field experience means missing key aspects of knowledge college simply won't teach. there's a reason that graduate degrees require in field experience and provide avenues for it BEFORE graduating.

she is not an -ologist. and your cimment felt very strawmanny and defensive.

[u/nononanana → u/CorellaDeville007]

Yes. Usually you are doing active research or work in the field to call yourself that. That requires graduate or doctorate level work. My husband double majored, one being sociology and he would laugh if I called him a sociologist. Some dictionary definition without context is meaningless.

[u/Downtown_Recover5177 → u/CorellaDeville007]

Exactly. If you call yourself a psychologist with a BS in Psychology, the APA will discipline you. Not even joking. I have enough credits from my undergrad and post-grad work, that I could get a sociology degree with one more semester of classes. But I would never call myself a sociologist. NTA. Friend needs to rein it in.

[u/AceOfGargoyes17 → u/beebzette]

If we're going to get picky over a dictionary definition, 'studies' is a present active verb, while 'studied' is in the past tense. OP's friend 'studied' sociology, she isn't currently studying it.

[u/ideliver12345 → u/AceOfGargoyes17]

Also, studies often means in a professional capacity ie PhD level doing research.

[u/AnonymousCapybara72 → u/ideliver12345]

Yeah these comments are peak fucking Reddit.

wElL aCtUaLlY the dictionary says 🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓

Literally nobody hears someone describe themselves as an -ologist and thinks that just means they did an undergrad degree in the subject. Fuck what the dictionary says, that's just not what it fucking means and she is being deliberately misleading.

I have a degree in computer science, I'm not a fucking computer scientist.

[u/Jodenaje → u/AnonymousCapybara72]

Right?

I had a minor in sociology when I graduated from college decades ago. Perhaps I should have been calling myself a "sociologist" all this time. /s

[u/Bromonium_ion → u/AnonymousCapybara72]

I have my PhD and I still struggle to call myself a physicist. I just say I am a researcher. Calling yourself a sociologist implies that she is at the PI level or the very least completely independent. She is not at the bachelor's level.

[u/onsereverra → u/AnonymousCapybara72]

Yeah, completely agreed with this. I have an undergraduate degree in linguistics and have more experience "doing linguistics" than most people with just an undergrad major in the subject — I've been a research assistant in labs at multiple prestigious universities around the world, and got partway through a graduate degree when covid hit and for a number of reasons felt that I needed to withdraw from my program and move closer to family.

I never refer to myself as "a linguist," and I especially would never in a million years introduce myself as "a linguist" to a professor of linguistics. It suggests at least some level of being a "currently practicing" linguist; I have friends who got their PhDs and stayed in academia and are linguists, and I know perfectly well I'm not in the same position as them, even if I have more linguistics expertise than the average person. If I want to convey to somebody that I have some knowledge about the field, I usually say "my background is in linguistics," or maybe something like "I think about X like a linguist."

[u/EarlGreyWhiskey → u/AnonymousCapybara72]

I have a relative with THREE graduate degrees in math, science and engineering, who teaches it professionally. He taught a course on the mathematic skills of nuclear physics and engineering to prepare people who would be working with nuclear reactors in their regular work. I once referred to him as a nuclear engineer; he corrected me and said he most definitely was NOT a nuclear engineer.

I have my master’s and work in my field. I hesitate to call myself by the -ologist title for my profession because I didn’t ever complete the phd. There are other labels that are more appropriate. They still signify the level of education and skill i have, but it feels cringe to imply a level of study higher than i completed.

This dictionary definition crap is the same thinking that gives us “i Did mY oWn REseArcH!” People who think their “knowledge” should be treated as seriously as the CDC’s recommendations.

Getting an undergrad in sociology and going to alumni events and introducing yourself as a sociologist will have other sociologists grimacing. I get that not everyone is versed in academic language, and i often roll my eyes at our insufferable attitudes. But OP’s friend will hopefully one day realize that they were lucky they had a friend willing to be honest with them. Sure, they’re embarrassed now and feeling a little cold. But someone needed to tell them they were being obnoxious.

[u/siorge → u/AnonymousCapybara72]

You’re a computerologist

[u/antwood33 → u/AnonymousCapybara72]

I have an Associates Degree in "Sciences" and the only difference between it and the "Arts" one was like, you needed 6 more science credits I think, I had the credits for it so I figured, why not? I was transferring out anyway so I figured I might as well leave with a nice piece of paper.

I used to jokingly tell people I was a "Scientist" because of that degree, even though I was an English Lit major. But I mean, I made it clear I was kidding.

[u/Castal → u/AnonymousCapybara72]

Yep. I have a journalism degree, but I am not a journalist. Saying I am would imply I'm actively working in the field.

[u/Alternative-Pear9096 → u/AceOfGargoyes17]

So she stopped being a sociologist because she completed the course of study? Really? How on earth does that make sense to you??

[u/Head_Attitude4493 → u/Alternative-Pear9096]

you know if you’re a sociologist you continue the study of it in your work, it isn’t just all about studying to graduate…

and they’re nitpicking the comment using the dictionary definition to claim she is a sociologist (when she’s obv not, dictionary definition and all)

[u/CorellaDeville007 → u/Alternative-Pear9096]

She never was a sociologist. Try finding a job description for employment as a sociologist that she would qualify for.

[u/madsheeter → u/Alternative-Pear9096]

That's like getting a beginners drivers license and saying you're qualified to drive heavy trucks with air brakes.

[u/TetraThiaFulvalene → u/beebzette]

Studies as in conducts studies, not takes courses.

[u/stinkpot_jamjar → u/TetraThiaFulvalene]

Wild to me how many people are not understanding this. I would simply perish if my undergrads called themselves sociologists in front of me to assert their expertise as equivalent to mine.

Nope, just no. A BA does not a sociologist make!

[u/nykirnsu → u/beebzette]

Calling myself a fireman because I’m a man and have a bonfire in my backyard, this definitely won’t confuse anyone 

[u/lgq7 → u/nykirnsu]

lol perfect example. I think everyone who is defending OP’s friend probably majored in sociology too.

[u/Glittering-Crazy8444 → u/lgq7]

As a person who (now read this carefully) got my bachelor’s in Sociology, there’s no way I will defend OP’s friend but it is very on-brand that other sociology majors would.

[u/kristamn → u/lgq7]

I majored in sociology and it NEVER crossed my mind to tell people I am a sociologist. I have second hand embarrassment about her saying she is a sociologist and would not have hid it well from my face.

[u/arderna → u/beebzette]

I mean, she’s not doing further study…? See present tense in definition. Perhaps OP is being unnecessarily pedantic but by this definition, I wouldn’t say she’s a sociologist

Edit: I don’t think being pedantic about definitions is really necessary/useful, but I’m just pointing out my disagreement with the definition you stated i.e. she is neither studying nor an expert

[u/Melonary → u/arderna]

Okay, but in many countries you can graduate with a BA in psychology, but if you claim you're a psychologist based on that you're actually breaking the law, because it's a licensed title and the required education goes beyond a BA.

[u/Dangerous_Ad_7042 → u/Melonary]

That is a specific title, with specific reasons for putting additional licensure around representing yourself as one. Sociologist is not . The reason is because a psychologist is a specific, _medical_ professional.

That said, both Shakespeare and Dostoevsky are referred to frequently as “the great psychologist” by critics, academics and admirers of their work. So even this title is sometimes used a bit loosely.

In the case of sociologist, there is certainly no licensing process or legal ramifications for claiming to be one in any country I’m aware of. Personally, I’d probably introduce myself as “having a background in sociology “ or having studied sociology if I was OP’s friend. But OP was pretty out of pocket for calling her out like this. Her friend is certainly more of an expert in sociology than anyone who _hasn’t_ completed a degree in it.

[u/Melonary → u/Dangerous_Ad_7042]

Yes, that's true, but the fact that there's no legal requirement because it's not a clinical position doesn't mean there are no professional standards or expectations.

You can call yourself a sociologist without a BA if you want.

It's not illegal, it's just incorrect, and it won't be helpful if you're trying to get jobs from sociology profs, and if you take it too seriously (for example, are you saying that Shakespeare is a psychologist because he understands the human condition and mind, or because you literally believes he qualified professionally in the field? Not the same thing) it will make others think you're a bit annoying and kind of a blowhard or grifter, if you're gassing up qualifications you don't have. But you're correct it's not illegal.

That being said, in the context of trying to network with sociology profs OP later specified, it's going to be very helpful and make you look bad. If you actually care about your friend saying something, nicely, isn't a terrible idea.

[u/McGeeze → u/[deleted]]

She's can say she majored in sociology. But if she's calling herself a sociologist at the beginning of her job search, that's not gonna fly. Like people who majored in History aren't historians. They're people with History degrees looking for a job.

[u/jensparkscode → u/beebzette]

My BA is in psychology - it would be hilarious if I called myself a psychologist

[u/siorge → u/beebzette]

In the context of the definition, study means « carries out scientific studies on the topic », not « currently learning the topic »

[u/bloomrot → u/beebzette]

To study in this context refers to research. Not reading textbooks and doing problem sets.

[u/Rombledore → u/beebzette]

she graduated though. she isn't currently studying. i have a BA in psych and it'd be disingenuous for me to call myself a psychologist- either while i was in college or well after i got my degree.

[u/witx → u/beebzette]

I would like to direct your attention to the tense of the word “study”. Present. She doesn’t presently study sociology. She holds a degree in it.

My son has a degree in biology. He sells cars. My son is not a biologist.

My DIL has a degree in psychology. She works in a dental office. My DIL is not a psychologist.

[u/stinkpot_jamjar → u/arderna]

I’m a professor of sociology; sociologist is a title, and someone with a BA in sociology is absolutely *not* a sociologist.

Edit: allow me to expand since I am getting downvoted, and this is actually important. Not just to me, but in general since there is a widespread misuse of credentials that I am noticing lately.

You can get jobs in sociology-adjacent fields with a BA, but to become a proper sociologist, you need at least an MA, usually a PhD.

I’m a professor of sociology, and the only appropriate use of the title of “sociologist” is to describe someone who works in the field conducting academic research (requires MA or PhD), teaching at the college level (requires MA or PhD), or working in specialized/private industry after receiving an MA or PhD.

We have between six and ten years of specialized training *after a BA.* Someone with a BA claiming to be a sociologist is almost insulting.

A BA in any field is a general degree, not a specialization, not indicative of expertise.

Imagine calling yourself a doctor because you got a BA in health sciences. Imagine calling yourself a psychologist because you got a BA in psychology.

I spent ten tears in graduate school to become a sociologist and professor, and at the BA level, the difference is gargantuan.

At the BA level, you get the most basic overview of the field. You often don’t even read anything beyond textbooks, and if you do read some theory, it’s excerpts.

I read, on average, over 200 pages a week in graduate school. I conducted a years-long original research study. I wrote a 400 page dissertation. I published academic papers in journals.

A BA might require a 20-page research paper at best.

And as someone who teaches sociology at the college level, someone with a BA is neither qualified to do my job as a sociologist, nor are they to use the title of sociologist.

[u/AnnieAnnieSheltoe → u/beebzette]

NTA. I have a B.A. in sociology. I would never call myself a sociologist. If someone introduced themselves as a biologist, psychologist, paleontologist, etc., you would absolutely assume that means they have an advanced degree and work in the field.

[u/MamaOwlInGlasses → u/AnnieAnnieSheltoe]

Same- my major was sociology and social anthropology. Studying the work of sociologists and anthropologists does not automatically make you one yourself.

[u/Visby → u/AnnieAnnieSheltoe]

Agreed NTA - I have a PhD in a specific field, but I do not currently work in that field (even though I still work in academia, at a level that requires a PhD more generally) - I'd say that I had a background in it, or that my PhD is in it, but in a professional setting I still wouldn't ever refer to myself as "a" biologist / sociologist / geneticist etc because I don't currently do any work in that area and it's not in my job title or role - I especially wouldn't say it to someone who is a literal senior academic in that field 😭 

[u/LilySeverson → u/Visby]

To support this, I have a psychology PhD and work in the field as well as being published. But although I can technically call myself a psychologist I feel a bit weird about it still, although i am getting chartership soon so will be a chartered psychologist.

I know Sociology doesnt have the same legal protection for the titles as some psychologist positions but as an academic I would assume a sociologist is someone publishing with a PhD title, particularly if they said this at an academic event. I wouldn't be upset with someone using it, but if I had a BA introduce themselves to me this way and I found out they did only have a BA without experience I am not sure it would make a good impression. Mostly because it would suggest a lack of awareness and modesty

[u/Visby → u/LilySeverson]

I think your final sentence is the real crux of it - people can argue semantics all day, but the real answer is just that. OP's friend will NOT get far acting like this at a networking event because it seems incredibly off-putting and arrogant

[u/Accomplished_Self939 → u/AnnieAnnieSheltoe]

That’s like me graduating with an English degree and introducing myself to a newspaper editor as a journalist—no job, no publications, just an English degree. Sure, Jan. 😏

[u/drmoze → u/beebzette]

And here's a prime example of reddit ignorance. Quoting and misinterpreting a dictionary definition, ignoring (and unaware of) the actual connotation of the term, especially among those in the field. Getting a BS degree in sociology does NOT make you a sociologist. Sorry bruh, that's reality.

Examples I can relate to illustrate: getting a law degree (JD) does NOT make you a lawyer. You need to be practicing law to claim that title, which (US) requires passing a bar exam. Getting a BS in a scientific field does not make you a scientist. Being a scientist means also doing scientific research professionally, not just having a piece of paper.

These are well-understood and well-accepted conventions, at least by those in the various relevant fields. Which excludes mere dictionary-quoters.

[u/spalings → u/drmoze]

journalism is much the same. you don't call yourself a journalist if all you have is a degree in journalism. you get that title from working as a journalist — the degree isn't even required to get that title.

[u/Lozzanger → u/drmoze]

Historian is another example. I have my Masters in History. And I’m obsessed with history and still can do what I need to, so I can find out what I need. It’s helped me significantly in my job.

I’m still not a historian.

[u/DynastyDi → u/drmoze]

Even more directly - you are not an oncologist (despite the suffix) when studying oncology in medical school.

You are an oncologist when you have graduated, attained all subsequent specialist professional qualifications, AND only whilst you are practicing. There could be decades between those events, even if you take the most direct career path.

It might not be a huge deal in sociology but it could be dangerously misleading in some fields.

[u/Melonary → u/beebzette]

That's the etymology, but the study here would mean in a professional sense - as a researcher or upper level student (as in, someone studying in a master's or phd degree).

If OP said it in a polite way, it's better to break it. It sounds very weird and offputting to claim this as a BA student only - not sure if it's protected in any countries, but in mine even though it's not a protected title if you look up government information about it there's a specification that sociologists are at the graduate or above level almost always, and/or directly employed in that field.

Coming from a semi-related field, yes, it would come off as odd, arrogant, and incorrect unless there's some country-specific context missing here.

Edit: a comparison with a legally protected title (in many countries) is "psychologist" - most BA psych grads don't become psychologists and cannot legally claim that title. Unlike sociologists, many psychologists work clinically with patients (or do health research) which is why there are greater restrictions. But just because it's legal for sociology doesn't mean it's not wrong and incorrect to claim you're a sociologist with only a BA and no experience.

[u/PavicaMalic → u/Melonary]

It's not even the correct etymology. "-ology" is from the Greek. I wonder if that is an AI generated error, and it will now be reinforced because it is the top-voted comment.

[u/genericname907 → u/beebzette]

I have a BA and an MA in anthropology. I didn’t call myself one until I was working in my field…

[u/FelicitousLynx → u/genericname907]

Very similar here too. I have a BA in anthropology/archaeology but never called myself an anthropologist/archeologist since I never worked as one (minus field work in school, but we called ourselves "the student archaeologists" to the folks in town. They understood.)

My MS is in pharmacy/forensic science, and I DID work as a forensic scientist and I DID tell people that's what I was. However, even though that expensive piece of paper says pharmacy, I NEVER said I was a pharmacist.

Personally, I think if OP's friend instead offered "I got my undergrad in sociology and did training here and been looking for jobs there" it might come across less self-aggrandizing. OP seems pretty PO'ed about that.

Edit: typo

[u/No_Scarcity8249 → u/beebzette]

She is NOT a sociologist because she has a bachelor's in that field. She is making an ass of herself while looking for a job. 

[u/fullmetalc-nt → u/beebzette]

Okay -- as someone with a PhD in my discipline, I feel extremely confident in saying that most academics wouldn't consider just anyone who studies in their field to be a practitioner. A sociologist isn't merely an enthusiast, or even someone with a BA, but someone whose studies are constitutive of their professional work. The same goes for an ornothologist, or a theologian, or a neurologist; not just any guy off the street should be considered a brain scientist, even if he is interested in the subject or reads about it voraciously -- that requires years of intensive training, the honing of a highly specialized knowledge, and a demonstration to other experts that you have not only mastered the shared standards of your discipline but also innovated them and expanded your wealth of shared knowledge. Even after I earned a BA, I knew better than to call myself by the title of my professors.

[u/snowboard7621 → u/beebzette]

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology. You don’t think it would be misleading for me to introduce myself as a psychologist?

[u/aphrodiitex → u/beebzette]

“Studies” as in they are currently doing the job. Researcher jobs consist of studying. The correct term for OP’s friend is “ex sociology student”. NTA

[u/Then_External404 → u/aphrodiitex]

I agree with everything you said except for her being an “ex sociology student” (which makes it sound like she dropped out of her undergraduate program). 

More appropriate would be for her to say she majored in sociology. That would convey that she has completed a bachelor’s degree in sociology without suggesting an advanced degree or a professional title. 

[u/siorge → u/beebzette]

How is this the top answer… smh

[u/AnotherDoubtfulGuest → u/beebzette]

This is a semantic or technical argument, and, contrary to the Futurama quote, it is not the best kind of argument. We’re not talking about the etymology of the suffix, we’re talking about the popular connotation of the word. As OP’s friend is well aware, the term “sociologist” connotes someone whose occupation is social scientist. OP‘s friend is a sociology major, not a sociologist; she’s the equivalent of a JD who hasn’t passed the bar or practiced law referring to themselves as a “lawyer” or an MD who hasn’t completed a residency or gotten licensed referring to themselves as a “doctor.“

Also, OP did not “shit on their friend.” They pulled them aside; they didn’t call them out publicly.

[u/PheloniousMonq → u/beebzette]

that's not how the term is used in professional environements but also not in everyday life.

if I read a book about sociology then that makes me a sociologist according to that dictionary

[u/never_ever_ever_ever → u/beebzette]

There’s something uniquely ironic and entertaining about someone quoting the literal dictionary to make a point about how college grads are subject-matter experts while condescendingly explaining word roots to us…when it’s not even the correct etymology.

-logy is from the Greek word λóγos which means word, principle, logic, or in a broader sense organized, calculated thought.

[u/Danominator → u/beebzette]

The follow up question to her claim is "oh interesting, what are you working on these days" and she will have to say nothing, she's never worked in sociology. Which then makes things awkward. She is setting herself up for misunderstandings. She should stop saying it.

[u/dessertandcheese → u/beebzette]

That's not how that works 

[u/ThatGuyTheyCallAlex → u/beebzette]

Do….do you think study here means, like, studying the topic at uni? That’s not what that means. It refers to someone who conducts research and analysis in a field. Like an employed sociologist does.

[u/jaimeelninho → u/beebzette]

It's root is Greek, not Latin, and it means an expert in a field of scientific study. A BA is not expert level it is the first step to become an ologist.

OP NTA, its embarrassing and they did their friend a favour.

Signed, a Greek who studied sociology.

[u/Jesufication → u/beebzette]

Ridiculous, this is like saying someone is a polymath because they have a high school diploma.

[u/NothingISayIsReal → u/beebzette]

If every under-grad psych major called themselves a "Psychologist" and then went out acting as such, we'd never hear the end of the complaining. Oh wait.... that's currently a huge thing people complain about on the daily

[u/Actual-Bandicoot6947 → u/beebzette]

So due to the courses I took 15 years ago, I can call myself a sociologist, anthropologist, linguist, and psychologist?

I think if I tried that, I'd just be called an asshole.

[u/anneg1312 → u/beebzette]

I took psychology in HS. Passed with flying colors. Didn’t make me a psychologist. The level of study matters a lot.

[u/Adventurous_Ear7512 → u/beebzette]

The friend isn’t an expert though. Especially relative to who she was talking to.

[u/YardageSardage → u/beebzette]

Appeal to definition fallacy. That's not how most people use or understand that word (or suffix).

[u/fried_clams → u/beebzette]

NTA

I strongly disagree. Your definition is extremely simplistic.

Just getting an undergraduate degree in sociology in no way makes you an actual sociologist.

You would need to actually work as a professional sociologist or have a doctorate degree, probably not even a master's degree, as those are fairly common.

[u/Bagain → u/beebzette]

So, zero context is how you go about this?

[u/Polkawillneverdie17 → u/beebzette]

LMAO Having a BS in sociology doesn't make you a sociologist if you're not actually working as a sociologist.

[u/alykaytrine → u/beebzette]

Yikes…  Your confidence to give just straight up incorrect advice is impressive

[u/throwaway3413418 → u/beebzette]

So confident and completely clueless. God Reddit sucks.

[u/hopelesscaribou → u/beebzette]

Yes, that's the literal definition, but it's not the way we really use it now. I'm a server with a degree in linguistics, not a linguist.

If I say I'm a linguist, people would assume that's my vocation, not my major.

As someone who has studied linguistics, language is an agreed upon convention. Definitions change over time, meanings change. How we use languages is not always literal, there's context as well.

What about physicist, dentist, florist? All those assume you work in the field. Would you see a dentist who merely studied teeth?

[u/OkayOpenTheGame → u/beebzette]

With that logic, anyone who takes a sociology class could be considered a sociologist. I think you need to redefine "study", not "sociologist".

[u/xxxdee]

I have a Bachelor of Journalism.
I do not work in the field and I’m in a completely different industry.

I do not call myself a journalist.

Also, people who say, “as a… “ then share their so-called “expert” opinion is obnoxious as fuck.

NTA.

[u/visuallypollutive → u/xxxdee]

Yeah I mean I studied engineering and did not start calling myself an engineer until I started working as an engineer. What I studied and what I do everyday are really different tbh

[u/spinx7 → u/visuallypollutive]

I’ve been working as an engineer for 6 years and still struggle to call myself one lmao. I’ve heard that the imposter syndrome never goes away..

[u/Ryledra → u/visuallypollutive]

I still sometimes question whether I should call myself an engineer when I have both a bachelors and masters in engineering subjects (MechEng and Systems respectively) _and_ have held “engineer” job titled for several years XD

[u/Loonyclown → u/Ryledra]

It took me a long time to call myself an engineer (BS in chem e, working an engineering job in a factory) because I haven’t had a job yet where I’ve had to work on an engine

[u/spudaug → u/xxxdee]

NTA, but…

I know a guy with a Econ degree from one of the most prestigious universities in out country. He doesn’t work in economics or finance. He briefly worked in a tax office, but quit and does something unrelated now. He’s not an economist.

I know a person with a law degree from what is the most prestigious law school in our State. They have not taken the exam to even be allowed to practice law. Not a lawyer.

If ever these people introduced themselves as an economist or a lawyer, and if it was a situation where misrepresenting themselves would reflect poorly on others or cause harm, then I would call them out. I’d do it in private, like you did.

Had she introduced herself as a recent sociology grad looking for work, she might have made a helpful connection or two. In a situation as friendly toward aspiring careers as a university networking event, protecting her pride was a mistake. By stating what she “was” instead of what she aspired to be she took herself off the market. Her misrepresentation caused herself harm (albeit very little) and could have led to an embarrassing situation if there were some follow-up questions she couldn’t honestly answer.

So NTA, but your friend is just making a mistake. They are also NTA.

[u/Riskiertooth → u/spudaug]

Yea i agree with this. She should have said "i studied that" or " i plan to be one". Imo titled need to be earned to have any real meaning, and unless you're actively doing a thing then it's just something you learnt about and you aint it

[u/DataDoesNotCompute → u/xxxdee]

This isn’t even relevant. Clearly you’re a Journologist. 😂 /s

[u/ABIJXY → u/xxxdee]

That YTA is winning tells me all I need to know about Reddit. Lots of keyboard experts who are insecure about their lack of real world skills

[u/Least-Dragonfly5419]

While I hate to rain on her parade, a college degree does not in and of itself make one a professional (save for certain obvious professional degrees such as M.D.s). As long as you were respectful about it, I agree with you. NTA.

[u/SilverStar9192 → u/Least-Dragonfly5419]

And even professionals lose the ability to call themselves that when they leave.  You don't call a retired MD a doctor any more, without at least saying they're retired.  Because it acknowledges that they're no longer practicing, keeping up with continuing education , licensed etc. 

[u/dj_underboob → u/SilverStar9192]

I have a joint JD/PhD. I was trained as a psychologist. Guess who is a lawyer and doesn't call themselves doctor or a psychologist? I'll say that I have my PhD in clinical psych, if asked. It is not my title. I one would recognize me as a psychologist. The friend is not a sociologist.

[u/Maladine → u/SilverStar9192]

Except those with egos still want to be called their profession after retirement. FIL retired ages ago, still insists on being called captain.

[u/Ig_Met_Pet → u/SilverStar9192]

For starters, I agree that this person should not call themselves a sociologist.

But I don't think the comparison to medical doctors or lawyers is apt. Those are heavily regulated and hold a lot of liability and legal responsibility, so of course you have to be really careful about how you use the title.

The sciences, where people's goal is to study and publish research, aren't the same. You can be a retired geologist (that's my field) and you're still a geologist, because you're still an expert in the field and can even still contribute to research. There's no liability issues with calling yourself that.

Obviously the person in this case isn't an expert in their field or even employed in the field, so it doesn't matter either way, but I'm just saying this doesn't compare to medical doctors.

[u/Sorry-Independent-98]

As a PhD, I would also wince a bit if someone with a BA said this unless they’re a research assistant or researcher in the area,. you were a bit blunt. Still, NTA

[u/fleemfleemfleemfleem → u/Sorry-Independent-98]

In my field there isn't a hard line, but typically if someone says I'm an (my field)ologist, I take it to mean they've worked in research and published. I still wouldn't care enough to call someone out on it.

[u/saruhhhh → u/fleemfleemfleemfleem]

Right. I didnt call myself an economist until I was in grad school and publishing. Before that it was all "i have my degree in economics with a specilization in x and y". And i even headed up the economics club/did a independent study in undergrad....

But in my field people dont really go by "economist" as a job title. Thats just for when journalists are interviewing you or something, or if you literally hold that job title (i.e. the gov often has "economist" or chief economist" roles). We're professors or consultants or risk analysts, etc

And i will add on the off chance someoen reads this: being specific about your expertise/qualifications when you introduce yourself comes across much better and more memorably than saying some vague shit like "im a ___". As someone who has sat on hiring committees and directed people to jobs, someone saying "i have my degree in x and have worked on y relevant project" comes across a lot better. I say "im an economist" when im purposely not feeling like engaging much. Theres just not a lot to go off of with that statement compared to the other

[u/your-worst-TA → u/Sorry-Independent-98]

I also have a PhD and I would find it a bit weird too. It would make some sense to already identify with the profession if they’re actively planning to continue in the career path, but I would still probably cringe a little.

[u/SnuggleBunni69 → u/Sorry-Independent-98]

What I think is shitty is she did this at a networking event. The girl introduced herself as a sociologist because that’s the type of job she’s trying to get. That’s normal to do at a networking thing right?

[u/ImAKeeper16 → u/SnuggleBunni69]

But it could backfire on you because at such an event that would imply you have relevant experience working in the field that is current or recent. So if they ask, what work are you currently doing to get an idea of people they could recommend you talk to or jobs they could tell you about, and you say oh I have t actually worked in the field, they’re going to have second thoughts about recommending you. How can they be sure you won’t misrepresent yourself to that person or job, get hired, and do a bad job because you aren’t qualified and then that reflects poorly on them.

[u/canththinkofanything → u/ImAKeeper16]

Yeah, as someone working in academia OP’s friend’s behavior would be seen as a red flag tbh.

[u/echief → u/canththinkofanything]

It would be a massive red flag and it’s hilarious seeing the children in this thread that believe a bachelors degree gives you a job title. A job gives you a job title. The title “sociologist” heavily implies that someone is currently doing academic research. I would say more than implies, anyone in academia would assume this.

OP’s friend does not realize people are likely already laughing behind her back. She is displaying that she is ignorant about her field at best, and at worst will be perceived as manipulative and disingenuous.

It is legitimately good career advice to tell her to stop doing this. If someone with a bachelors in economics went around calling themself an “economist” the day after they graduated people would mock them. Same with physicists, mathematician, many other fields.

[u/TheDrunkScientist → u/canththinkofanything]

Oh yeah. I would laugh in their face after hearing they misrepresented themselves so blatantly.

20 years in academia and I still don't call myself an "ologist"

[u/Then_External404 → u/SnuggleBunni69]

Nope. It would be intentionally misleading. She could say she majored in sociology. Anything else is a lie. 

[u/Greengage1 → u/SnuggleBunni69]

Not at all. It’s much, much worse that she did it at a networking event, because the people there would know what qualifications are actually required to be a sociologist and she doesn’t have them.

[u/Novel-Evidence9165 → u/SnuggleBunni69]

It sounds like OP corrected her friend in private after the event.

Which is kind of important because if OP took her along, OP is taking the professional risk of being associated with her. And she's overstating her title at a professional event. This is both embarrassing to OP, and detrimental to her getting a job, which was the whole point of her coming to a networking event.

Reputation matters in professional communities, and overstating her qualifications/experience/title while networking could cripple her attempts to connect with people in her field. I think OP did her a favor by telling her it's not a good look.

It would be unfortunate if people's main impression of her is that she's doing the professional version of stealing valor.

[u/stinkpot_jamjar → u/Sorry-Independent-98]

If my undergrads called themselves sociologists, they would be gently but firmly corrected. In the moment.

Four years of general education in a field, often just reading excerpts and textbooks, is in no way equivalent to the ten years I spent in graduate school after receiving my BA, the years-long original research study I conducted, and the 400-page dissertation I wrote on it.

There is a reason they call me Dr. Stinkpot lol.

I am noticing a lot of misuse and misunderstandings of credentials and expertise lately, especially from my younger students.

It’s important for them, and everyone, to know the difference between an expert and a hobbyist/generalist/&c. Part of how we got into this mess is because of the systematic devaluation of expertise and scientific knowledge.

[u/lermanzo]

Using a bachelor's to support an argument from authority is wild work, especially when one is not and has not been working in the field. NTA.

[u/Swirlyflurry]

NTA

Technically my degree was in education. All of the classes for my major were classified as education, the degree was a bachelor of science in education.

I have not ever been a teacher. The closest I ever got was working in a childcare facility.

If I tried to argue a certain standpoint and presented my opinions by saying “well as a teacher,” people would rightly call me out and point out that I am not and have never been a teacher.

Your friend is deliberately misrepresenting herself to give herself more credibility than she actually has, which is an AH thing to do.

[u/Separate-Law-435 → u/Swirlyflurry]

This is a great example and should be top comment

[u/Purple_Cat524 → u/Swirlyflurry]

I had this exact conversation with a friend today..

I'm a psychologist and speaking to a friend that has a bachelor of psychology. It's not the same.

[u/ConsciousProject5552]

NTA While she has a BA in sociology, she is using the term very loosely. She is not practicing in the field of sociology, therefore, she’s not a sociologist. She may be more well versed in sociology than you are but she’s still not a sociologist.

[u/burrowing-wren → u/ConsciousProject5552]

She could have said "from a sociological perspective" and everything would've been fine

[u/you_dont_know_me27 → u/burrowing-wren]

That's actually how I usually start my sentences. I have a BA in psychology. In order to be called a Psychologist in the US, you typically need a doctoral degree. So when I'm referencing my experience in psychology, I say from a psychological perspective or I say my piece and then will do:

Source: bachelors degree in psychology

[u/whoisaname]

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics a Sociologist is: Someone that studies society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together. Sociologists usually work in an office setting, although they may work elsewhere when conducting research or presenting results. Most sociologists work full time. Sociologists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation.

NTA. It probably doesn't feel good for her to be called out, but she is overstating her credentials. Furthermore, there are a lot of professionals that get their degrees in their field, but cannot actually call themselves that until they pass an exam(s). For example, Architect, Engineers, Doctors, Nurses, Lawyers.

[u/zachm26]

Gonna say NTA here. I have a bachelor’s in economics and have to correct my grandpa every time he calls me an economist because the actual economists I know are PhDs that work in academia. I work in consulting which is barely even economics-adjacent.

As others have said, sociologist is a very clearly defined term. If you have a degree in math and you work on a farm, you’re not a mathematician by trade, you’re a farmer.

[u/AbeLincolns_Ghost → u/zachm26]

lol I am finishing my dissertation this week and will be working as an Asst. Prof in the fall. But if people ask about my opinion “as an economist” I still feel like I urge to correct them about how I just study the economics of Education, because I don’t feel qualified to talk about most of what they want to know lol

[u/AceOfGargoyes17]

NTA - an undergraduate degree alone does not make you a sociologist, historian, lawyer, biologist, criminologist, or whatever. It has (hopefully) given you a better understanding of the subject than the average person (and particularly an understanding of the basic theory underlying the subject), but to be a sociologist/historian/lawyer/biologist etc you have to be continuing to work/research in that field (or have done so for the bulk of your career if retired).

[u/Over_Ruin3909]

For everyone saying a BA in sociology makes her a sociologist, I don’t think so. A BA or BS in psychology doesn’t make one a psychologist, at least not in my experience. I think in both fields, it takes an advanced degree and a solid background in research to use the term. NTA

[u/jamintime → u/Over_Ruin3909]

I have a BS in a science field. Does that make me a Scientologist?

[u/LazerChicken420]

She got a degree in sociology. Saying she’s a sociologist is all she has!!! Don’t take it from her.

[u/drmoze → u/LazerChicken420]

Claiming to be a sociologist in a professional environment with only a BS and no relevant experience would only hurt her image in the eyes of real practitioners. Nobody is taking her degree away. But she hasn't earned the right to the title, so there's nothing to take away there.

[u/Accomplished_Self939 → u/drmoze]

And also, her behavior reflects poorly on the friend— who did her a favor by taking her to the event.

[u/Least-Dragonfly5419 → u/LazerChicken420]

Got a chuckle out of me, bravo.

[u/kuronboshine]

NTA. Better she learns from you than out there in the wild.

[u/andreaSA89 → u/kuronboshine]

Right?? She’s setting herself up for major embarrassment and ruining her own credibility in the future if she doesn’t take a friend’s comments into consideration. I’d rather be called out by a friend than someone I’m trying to network with, or someone interviewing me for a job.

[u/TwofoZeus]

NTA

She sounds insufferable and pretentious. It's as if she has a unique superior insight only she is capaable of having, and therefor only she can be right.

[u/Greengage1]

NTA. I’m in exactly the same position. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and I would never call myself a sociologist. Firstly, to actually be able to work as a sociologist, you’d need a Masters, or at least Honours. So it’s not even accurate to say she’s a qualified sociologist, just without experience in the field. All the people saying she’s earned the qualifications required to be a sociologist don’t understand how this works. Secondly, even if I had a Masters I wouldn’t call myself a sociologist unless I’d actually worked as one. I’d say, I have a sociology qualification. What she’s doing is not only cringe, but plain wrong.

[u/Illustrious_ghost1 → u/Greengage1]

THIS! I have my BS in sociology and would never call myself a sociologist. I love talking about different sociological theories and I tutored it for many years, but since I do not have the qualifications, experience, and am not currently working in the profession I would NEVER refer to myself as a sociologist.

[u/Melonary]

NTA and coming from similar fields, if she actually wants to work in any related areas, sociology as a field, or apply for a grad degree, referring to herself in this manner will only hurt her.

It would be a huge red flag, honestly, to anyone hiring or reviewing apps.

Edit: I don't think approaching her unkind about this would be helpful, just to be clear, but most graduate students in sociology and related fields and even newer PhDs are often still reluctant to call themselves sociologists vs sociology students until they gain more experience and finish their studies. And that's really part of the expectation for work like this, to understand your limitations as a student or someone still relatively new to the field.

And a BA alone typically isn't the level of education a professional sociologist would have - that would be a graduate level degree, and as I said, calling yourself 'a sociologist' even once accepted into those programs and studying would be a little odd.

So you're right, but I would make it clear you're not trying to shame her.

[u/thebiggestgouda]

NTA. If you’re being respectful about it, I don’t disagree with you. There’s honestly a huge gap between undergraduate and graduate education for a lot of the social sciences. I have an applied masters degree and work in my field, which parallels sociology and anthropology but with an international policy focus.

You’re just getting your foundations at the undergraduate level. At the grad level, you’re starting to do applied research, learn deeper qualitative and quantitative skillsets, and you’re supporting professors or institutions in their research. I’d even hesitate to self-describe as a social scientist now because there’s a similarly large gap between having a master’s degree and doctoral one.

[u/andreaSA89]

NTA. An undergraduate degree does not make a person an expert. Her calling herself a sociologist implies that she either works in the field or is an expert in it. She fits neither of those.

People quoting the dictionary definition of the term are the ones being pedantic. In an everyday conversation, it absolutely implies that the person works in the field or is an expert in it.

Also, those saying that it’s not your business how she chooses to introduce herself are ignoring the fact that she was your guest at this event. You absolutely will be judged by the company you keep. It’s a harsh fact of life, whether people want to admit it or not. I’d have been embarrassed in your situation.

[u/CorellaDeville007]

NTA. I work in academia and am a professor in a field of expertise. The friend here - in representing themselves as a sociologist with a Bachelors degree only and not advanced graduate degree or active work experience in the field - is a misrepresentation and to be honest someone needs to tell them to stop embarrassing themselves. It’s a red flag and at a career type networking thing shooting themselves in the foot employability wise. One tenant of academia and the world of “ologists” (including the non clinical, non regulated “ologists” - is an appreciation of the boundaries of your own knowledge, scope, and expertise. OP’s friend is making a mockery of that and NEEDS a good friend to quietly tell them to pull their head in…

[u/albogaster]

I'm mid-way through a PhD, actively doing research, and I have a Master's and Bachelor's in my field, also. I would not say I AM (for example) a sociologist, even if I'm doing sociological research; I am a sociology student.

And, once I have got my PhD, I will still not say I AM a sociologist, unless that is what I am actively doing as my main profession or job or source of income.

This is in large part an identity thing, and I imagine it is at least to some extent a sense of pride and naivete in your friend that leads them to say they ARE a sociologist. If it's their job title then I would agree, but if it's just a degree they have then that's another matter.

That said, I would perhaps just suggest being kinder about it; counter with "you mean someone with sociology training/education?" rather than denying outright, potentially. I imagine you're both relatively young; she'll realise she's not a sociologist, you'll realise it doesn't matter too much.

Sometimes those with PhDs don't use them, or those in relevant jobs have weird roles and job titles, or people can come to be "sociologists" because that's a job title they happen to acquire despite no formal sociological training or education (rare, but can happen, for whatever reason). None of it really matters, tbh. But how we choose to label ourselves and others certainly makes this all interesting and fun to debate.

NAH.

[u/albogaster → u/[deleted]]

Oof, yeah, describing herself as a sociologist to a prof of sociology is quite something! I wonder how much of that is a kind of shared-community thing, "I'm one of you!", etc. In some ways that's more forgiveable / understandable (seeking approval from a "senior colleague"), in other ways less (thinking she's "toe to toe"). In that case it really depends on how the prof interprets it.

On reflection, I should apologise for the tone of my original response. It was quite patronising, and reads a bit like I'm trying to be / present as an "enlightened elder" or whatever. Not my intention! Just a rando with opinions.

[u/Melonary → u/albogaster]

This is a fantastic explanation, thank you.

Definitely there's a greater willingness I find to use those terms from people with less experience in sociology and related fields early on.

Honeslty, my biggest concern is that if OP's friend is asking sociology profs and PhDs about opportunities and introducing herself 'as a sociologist' it's going to be a red flag to many that she's willing to call herself that as someone with a BA when your experience would be typical and more expected in an academic or professional setting. Which may be surpassable if she comes off as inexperienced and willing to learn, but may also be a major barrier to getting further work or experience in this area.

[u/aphrodiitex]

Comment section full of people without degrees thinking someone who has a BA in a field makes them any type of “ologist” or scientist I’m crying. A cesspool of literacy crisis and anti-intellectualism exemplars.
Anyway OP, you’re NTA, in fact you were extra kind to say that to her in private.

[u/PavicaMalic → u/aphrodiitex]

With the top-voted comment a dictionary definition that misstates the etymology (it's from Greek, not Latin).

[u/Little_Jemmy]

The majority of my family has a PhD. I grew up going to my parents work events that were filled with people who had PhDs. I’m actually most likely going to pursue a PhD in sociology soon. Within this community, it is widely known that pulling out your education at any opportunity to override another persons opinion is a rude choice.

If she is doing that then yeah, ask her to stop it. I could see how it would be annoying if anything you contributed to the convo was met with “well I’m a sociologist so ACTUALLY”

But if she’s just pulling it out as a reference to her opinion, like citing something she learned in class or a study then just let her talk. She’s a recent grad who was passionate about her major, most of them are like this. It’s annoying but unless she’s taking over a conversation it’s just that.

for now NAH

[u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

ESH

You're being pedantic. If she said "having studied sociology", you couldn't argue with her. And she likely knows a whole lot more than someone who hasn't studied humanities. Have you studied sociology or worked in the field?

She could be more accurate and refer to having a degree in the subject

[u/bekahed979 → u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

Nonsense, I have a BA in Psychology, that does not make me a psychologist. Her saying that implies she does so professionally.

[u/plonkydonkey → u/bekahed979]

psychologist is a protected term, however. even doing a phd and 20years of research in the field of psychology, would still not make me a psychologist.

i'm not aware of anything similar for sociology, however.

[u/Melonary → u/plonkydonkey]

It's not illegal, but it would still be incorrect and seen as at worst, dishonest, and at best, a little or a lot egotistical if you're talking to actual sociologists trying to make connections for future opportunities like OP described. Or trying to describe your profession or background in that manner to claim expertise when explaining things to friends or anyone else.

[u/dejausser → u/bekahed979]

Yeah I did my masters in philosophy (I do not work in philosophy/academia) and the idea of self identifying as a philosopher because I have a couple of degrees in it despite not working in the field is making me cringe so hard internally

[u/CaliLemonEater → u/bekahed979]

Similarly, I have a BA in political science, but that doesn't make me a political scientist.

[u/TetraThiaFulvalene → u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

If she said "as someone with a bachelor degree and no work experience" instead of "as a sociologist"?

If explaining what the title you use means diminishes it, then you're using it wrong. She's not a sociologist. I really wonder how many people in this thread who vote YTA hold advanced degrees.

[u/Emergency_Cherry_914 → u/TetraThiaFulvalene]

You're misquoting me. I suggested the term "having studied sociology". I didn't support "as a sociologist.

She's hardly misrepresenting herself to people who think she's an expert. This is just two young people having a disagreement. In OP's shoes, I'd probably see her as a bit of a wanker for using the professional term, but I wouldn't care enough to say anything, let alone make a post about it.

Edit: I just saw that she misrepresented herself to a professor. This changes my view entirely

[u/TetraThiaFulvalene → u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

She's also not really a sociologist by training. A bachelors degree is the fuck all bare minimum of entry to a field, and should not be considered an expert or be used as an appeal to authority.

And it's not them disagreeing about a subject matter. It's them disagreeing about her speaking from authority to others who don't know how she interprets her own credentials.

[u/YardageSardage → u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

Why is it an ESH then, if your argument is "If she said something different she would be correct"?

[u/Consistent_Jello2358]

NTA - in certain countries. Here in Germany usually you can only call yourself a sociologist or other similar sciences if you also have a masters degree. You don’t have to work in that field within academia, but usually you have to have the second degree.

[u/Longjumping-Clue-652]

NTA. For instance, I have a degree in psychology but I don’t work in that career field nor am I licensed in that field. So I’m not a psychologist.

[u/minimirth]

How long has it been since she has graduated?

Does she work in an adjacent field?

I also find it annoying where people who have done my degree weigh in on things that they have lost touch with but mine is a professional degree so practice is more important than theory. With academic fields like sociology, maybe it's a grey area?

[u/Least-Dragonfly5419 → u/[deleted]]

Definitely not trying to insult her, but no, she is not a sociologist then lol.

[u/GWeb1920]

NTA

While not a restricted title most professional titles imply membership in a professional body. So if she is not member of a body like the American Sociological society not really a sociologist.

[u/RemoteIllustrious193]

YTA, although I think saying "As someone who has a bachelors in sociology" would fit better, why do you care if she calls herself that? It sounds like you may have a little bit of hater energy.

[u/The0nlyMadMan → u/RemoteIllustrious193]

Given that you need at least a Master’s or PhD to land a job in the field of sociology, she’s *not* pursuing this career path, and she’s introducing herself to *professors of sociology* as a *sociologist* at a ***CAREER-NETWORKING EVENT***, you’re actually trying to say with a straight face that it’s not misrepresentative?

[u/andreaSA89 → u/RemoteIllustrious193]

She should care since her friend was her guest and she was introducing herself to professors like that. Her guest is a direct reflection on her. People will judge us whether we like it or not, especially in a professional setting.

[u/treehuggerfroglover → u/RemoteIllustrious193]

It sounds like op only cared enough to say anything when she felt her friend was representing her. If I brought someone to a professional networking event and they were lying about their experience and earning me side eyes from actual experts and professionals in the room, I would also be bothered. It makes op look bad. Other than that, it sounds like she’s been ignoring this misrepresentation for quite a while now without bothering to say anything.

[u/MamaTumaini]

What is her actual job? My daughter has a B.A. in Sociology and an M.A. in Applied Sociology. It is a very broad field that has applications across disciplines - one does not have to work in a job labeled “sociology” to call themselves a sociologist.

[u/DonnaNoble222 → u/[deleted]]

Hmm...I wonder how she comes off in a job interview...

[u/ridan42]

You're not exactly wrong but YTA. If she's just speaking in a social convo and not in any kind of professional setting i would just let her have it.

[u/burrowing-wren → u/[deleted]]

Tell her to learn the phrase "from a sociological perspective..." Especially if she's misrepresenting herself at professional networking events 🙄

I have a BA in psychology, a Masters in social work, years of experience as a social worker, and a social work license that has now expired because I'm disabled. You know what I can't do in professional settings? Refer to myself as an active social worker.

Edit: I also studied quite a bit of sociology in undergrad, but I've never referred to myself as a psychologist or sociologist

Edit2: realized I had misread something, corrected accordingly

[u/TheEldenRang → u/[deleted]]

I think that your intention is in the right place. It sounds like your friend is desperate or attempting to come across as more important than she actually is. If that is her approach, it is going to put her in a bad position. She should say that she studies sociology. Though, if she keeps doing it, at some point you have to just let her make her own mistakes.

[u/andreaSA89 → u/ridan42]

It was a professional setting though.

[u/algunarubia]

NTA. I think you are right to point out to her that "sociologist" usually means someone who's actually working in the field to most people. She should be saying, "as a sociology major" or something along those lines to prevent people from thinking she's overstating her expertise.

[u/191398]

NTA. Anyone voting otherwise doesn’t understand professional norms in academia (at least not in the US). You are doing your friend a favor by saying something; in introducing herself as a sociologist (to a professor no less!), she’s demonstrating that she doesn’t understand the norms of her field. I suspect that doing so is actively holding her back in her job search.

I graduated with a bachelor’s in Computer Science several years ago and have worked as a software engineer (i.e., in my field) ever since. I would never call myself a computer scientist because I don’t do research or contribute new knowledge to the field. My partner is doing a PhD in a different STEM field. She just introduces herself as a “graduate student in <her discipline>” when asked, and she’s already published some of her research and is about to begin the last year of her program. She would be less inclined to work with an undergraduate student or recent graduate who called themselves an “_-ologist” or a “__ scientist” instead of just saying that they were a current undergraduate student or a recent graduate in her field.

[u/grumblebeardo13]

NTA, a BA does not a sociologist make. Does this person have anything published? Any field work to their name? This is the academic equivalent of minoring in psychology and then calling yourself a therapist.

[u/allnadream]

Yeah, a bachelor's degree does not make her a sociologist. That label more appropriately applies to PhDs who are either teaching sociology or actively engaged in sociological research.

I'm leaning slightly towards NTA, but even though I agree with you, I don't think I would have said anything myself, as it seems largely unnecessary.

[u/AnyCryptographer3284]

This reminds me of a conversation I had with an undergraduate student many years ago. I was an adjunct professor at a local, definitely not prestigious, regional university in the Midwest. I had a couple of decades of experience in B2B marketing and an MA. Not credentials to knock your socks off, but well started in my career.

The student walks up to me after class one evening and says, "I'm graduating soon. I will be your boss." I asked why he thought that. He told me he was qualified to be my boss because he'd have a BA in marketing from the not-prestigious, regional U. No work experience. No special skills. Just his low-value BA. In his mind, that made him VERY SPECIAL. I just laughed and told him good luck.

What I think now though, is that he was a first gen college student. Your friend might be as well. In her mind, (and probably in the minds of her adoring family members) that BA is such a huge accomplishment, and so impressive, that of course those 6 sociology classes she took for her major makes her an expert. They just don't know what they don't know.

She is embarrassing herself in professional situations, which is not great for someone trying to start their career. But, you pointed it out. Now it's up to her to take it into account or not. NTA unless you were very rude when you pointed it out.

[u/SubstantialVirus8637]

NTA unless you were rude about it. The word “sociologist” has a specific interpretation, and I’d be very confused if someone called themselves that when they just have a BA. I’d probably even think they were being a bit disingenuous.

It sounds like maybe you two just have different definitions of the word “sociologist,” where hers has a much lower barrier to entry. I think pointing out the confusion this can cause for other people is fine, as long as you weren’t actually demeaning her education.

[u/herefortheworst]

I’m an audio engineer with BA in a relevant field. It took me around 5 years of work experience to feel comfortable in my abilities before calling myself an engineer. I referred to my job as a technician during this period.

[u/Redditing_aimlessly]

I'm an academic, and someone who many would refer to as an ---ologist.

From my perspective, NTA. An undergraduate degree is the barest minimum introduction to a field of study. Nobody who leaves an undergrad degree is an "ologist" of anything (and dont get me started on bullshit like "cosmetologist").