Ask the Expert: Social Scientist on Understanding Society, Inequality & Criminology
In this Ask the Expert episode, we sit down with Dr. Heather Mooney, an applied social scientist, sociologist, criminologist, and educator, to explore what it truly means to study society and work in social science–related fields.
Dr. Mooney breaks down how sociology, psychology, criminology, and public health intersect, and why adaptability, curiosity, and compassion are essential skills for anyone entering this field. She also sheds light on the biggest challenges social scientists face, including corporatization, politics, and evidence-based policy barriers.
This conversation dives into:
📖 What an applied social scientist actually does
📖 The soft skills that make someone successful in sociology or criminology
📖 Pros and cons of a career in social science
📖 Why not everyone needs a 4-year degree and the value of trades & apprenticeships
📖 How creativity, storytelling, and qualitative research shape social problem solving
If you want a deeper understanding of society, systems, and the unseen forces shaping our world, this expert insight from Dr. Mooney is essential listening.
Timestamps:
00:00 | Ask the Expert: Dr. Heather Mooney
00:09 | How do you view yourself professionally?
01:12 | What are non-technical skills or qualities you feel are essential for success in your role?
01:54 | What are the biggest challenges you face in your field?
03:33 | What are the pros and cons of your career path?
05:07 | What are some less obvious aspects of the job that people should be aware of?
07:34 | What are some common misconceptions that people outside your field have about your field?
09:54 | Thank you for watching
#AskTheExpert #SocialScience #Sociology #Criminology #AppliedSociology #HeatherMooney #UnderstandingSociety #CriticalThinking #InequalityResearch #PublicHealthInsights #SocialProblems #EducationAndResearch #OpenNotesPodcast #CriminologyExplained #SociologicalPerspective
Guest | Heather Mooney
Hosts | Angela Thompson
Video Editor | Kiana Gerhart @its_kianaaaa
Content Revisers | Nora Mortimer, & Angela Thompson