4 answers
Alice
Student
Kochi, Kerala, India
1
Question
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Which should I pick? Economics or Psychology?
Hi. I am a 10th standard cbse student. I intend to take history as my major in college. I am sure that I want to study History, geography, politics and sociology in 11th. But I can't seem to choose between Economics and psychology for a sixth subject. Pls provide me with some advice on which one I should pick. I intend for a history related career.
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4 answers
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
88
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
If you fully intend to major in history your other answers work.
\From my point of view I would minor in history. Enjoy and have fun.
But do not major in it.
Unfortunately, you were born fifty years too late.
I was a professor of American Government and Politics for thirty-eight years and loved it. Then I taught modern European history to middle school students (some from India) for ten years and loved it even more.
But times have changed. These days the social sciences are loosing ground to other majors. It is a matter of getting a job. A quick perusal of the papers (not TV or social media) will indicate that colleges/universities, at least in the United States and the U.K. are downsizing their Social Science departments. One might be able to still take a major in history, but advanced degrees? And once you graduate with a major in history what does one do with it? Perhaps teach the subject in middle school and high school. But even then, in all likelyhood, you would have to teach other subjects as well in order to fulfill your employment contract.
The big employers today are in the fields of tech and finance. That's where the jobs and money are. For better or for worse. You may not like those fields but... There you are.
In my underrate work I had to take two low level courses: Music and art appreciation. Through the periods in history (mainly European). Best course I ever took for my leisure time. Art and music. I find myself getting deeper and deeper into it. And history, Ever since I was about aged 8 or so. I have, at the moment, about a half dozen history books i'm reading. Spent about an hour with one today.
So enjoy history, by all means.
But it's tech and finance for employment and making enough to enjoy history.
I'll leave you with this example: When I stake "submit" I'm directed to a sight that states: "Improve your answer with AI". I don't, but tech is everywhere.
\From my point of view I would minor in history. Enjoy and have fun.
But do not major in it.
Unfortunately, you were born fifty years too late.
I was a professor of American Government and Politics for thirty-eight years and loved it. Then I taught modern European history to middle school students (some from India) for ten years and loved it even more.
But times have changed. These days the social sciences are loosing ground to other majors. It is a matter of getting a job. A quick perusal of the papers (not TV or social media) will indicate that colleges/universities, at least in the United States and the U.K. are downsizing their Social Science departments. One might be able to still take a major in history, but advanced degrees? And once you graduate with a major in history what does one do with it? Perhaps teach the subject in middle school and high school. But even then, in all likelyhood, you would have to teach other subjects as well in order to fulfill your employment contract.
The big employers today are in the fields of tech and finance. That's where the jobs and money are. For better or for worse. You may not like those fields but... There you are.
In my underrate work I had to take two low level courses: Music and art appreciation. Through the periods in history (mainly European). Best course I ever took for my leisure time. Art and music. I find myself getting deeper and deeper into it. And history, Ever since I was about aged 8 or so. I have, at the moment, about a half dozen history books i'm reading. Spent about an hour with one today.
So enjoy history, by all means.
But it's tech and finance for employment and making enough to enjoy history.
I'll leave you with this example: When I stake "submit" I'm directed to a sight that states: "Improve your answer with AI". I don't, but tech is everywhere.
Griselda Hall
Executive Director
9
Answers
Olympia, Washington
Updated
Griselda’s Answer
History is a fascinating subject, and I'm thrilled to hear you love it! As a counselor with two graduate degrees, I can assure you that both economics and psychology are fantastic fields of study, each with its own unique benefits. However, if I had to suggest one, I'd encourage you to explore Psychology.
Understanding yourself and others is a powerful tool that can significantly improve your life. At this stage, gaining a deeper insight into human behavior can give you a unique advantage. It can also provide a richer understanding of history, particularly when it comes to generational trauma. So, dive into the world of psychology, and you'll be amazed at how it can enhance your perspective and understanding of the world around you.
Understanding yourself and others is a powerful tool that can significantly improve your life. At this stage, gaining a deeper insight into human behavior can give you a unique advantage. It can also provide a richer understanding of history, particularly when it comes to generational trauma. So, dive into the world of psychology, and you'll be amazed at how it can enhance your perspective and understanding of the world around you.
Thanks! You're answer really provides me with perspective <3
Alice
Avery Noss
Martial Arts Instructor
4
Answers
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Updated
Avery’s Answer
I am a college student and I do think history is incredibly fascinating. I am a STEM major, human biology, so I cannot advise a history major. But, while both sound like fantastic courses to take, I recommend Economics.
The only reason I would choose this over psychology is because understanding economics is key to understanding many parts of history. For centuries gaining wealth individually and as a country has been the main cause of many historical events. I found my studies of the economy helped me greatly to understand what was going on in the world today and the context of events like the World War One and Two. In many parts of the world today and over the last century, business and economics are more in control of history than policies and world leaders. I think you will be shocked at how interconnected the two worlds are.
I also think that Griselda's perspective is unique and see where she is coming from, in the end, it is up to you!
The only reason I would choose this over psychology is because understanding economics is key to understanding many parts of history. For centuries gaining wealth individually and as a country has been the main cause of many historical events. I found my studies of the economy helped me greatly to understand what was going on in the world today and the context of events like the World War One and Two. In many parts of the world today and over the last century, business and economics are more in control of history than policies and world leaders. I think you will be shocked at how interconnected the two worlds are.
I also think that Griselda's perspective is unique and see where she is coming from, in the end, it is up to you!
Thank you so much for your reply. It really provides some insight.
Alice
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
535
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Alice,
It's great that you already have such a clear focus on history and related subjects! For a history-related career, both Economics and Psychology offer unique benefits, so it really comes down to what aspects you find more interesting and relevant to your goals.
1. Economics: This can be valuable if you're interested in understanding the economic systems, trade patterns, and financial policies that have shaped societies over time. Economics complements history well because it provides insight into why historical events happened the way they did, especially regarding issues like industrialization, colonialism, and economic policies that influenced world events. It’s a more structured, analytical subject that would be helpful if you see yourself in a role involving research, policy, or analysis.
2. Psychology: Psychology, on the other hand, focuses on understanding human behavior and thought processes, which can be incredibly useful if you're drawn to the social and cultural aspects of history. If you want to study how people’s mindsets, motivations, or societal pressures influenced historical events, Psychology could give you unique insights into those areas. This subject would be particularly useful if you see yourself leaning toward a career in fields like cultural history, social history, or even teaching.
In short:
- Choose Economics if you’re more interested in the systemic, structural side of history (like economies, trade, or political policies).
- Choose Psychology if you’re curious about the human side of history—understanding how people’s minds and behaviors have influenced historical events.
Both are solid choices and will add depth to your understanding of history; go with the one that sparks more curiosity for you!
Best wishes!
It's great that you already have such a clear focus on history and related subjects! For a history-related career, both Economics and Psychology offer unique benefits, so it really comes down to what aspects you find more interesting and relevant to your goals.
1. Economics: This can be valuable if you're interested in understanding the economic systems, trade patterns, and financial policies that have shaped societies over time. Economics complements history well because it provides insight into why historical events happened the way they did, especially regarding issues like industrialization, colonialism, and economic policies that influenced world events. It’s a more structured, analytical subject that would be helpful if you see yourself in a role involving research, policy, or analysis.
2. Psychology: Psychology, on the other hand, focuses on understanding human behavior and thought processes, which can be incredibly useful if you're drawn to the social and cultural aspects of history. If you want to study how people’s mindsets, motivations, or societal pressures influenced historical events, Psychology could give you unique insights into those areas. This subject would be particularly useful if you see yourself leaning toward a career in fields like cultural history, social history, or even teaching.
In short:
- Choose Economics if you’re more interested in the systemic, structural side of history (like economies, trade, or political policies).
- Choose Psychology if you’re curious about the human side of history—understanding how people’s minds and behaviors have influenced historical events.
Both are solid choices and will add depth to your understanding of history; go with the one that sparks more curiosity for you!
Best wishes!
Thanks for providing me with points on both choices. It will surely help me to make a choice.
Alice
You are welcome!
Chinyere Okafor