The way Kathy Charmaz became an Academic

Before Dr. Charmaz became a professor of sociology she did work in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy introduced her to sociology. She started studying sociology while she was pursuing a master’s so she could qualify to teach occupational therapy. Studying medical sociology and social psychology caught her attention.

In 1968 Kathy Charmaz applied to sociological doctoral programs. There were many jobs but these were mostly for white men. Woman would only get temporary jobs in sociology, they could show the same qualities as the men but they would stay in temporary positions. According to Kathy Charmaz her thesis advisor had told her that she would be able to get into a good doctoral program but after that she may never get a job.

            It was hard for Dr. Charmaz to find a job as it was for many other sociologists at the time. Once affirmative action took place it helped Dr. Charmaz. She had been hired in 1972 as a temporary full-time member in the Sociology Department of a large state university. In 1973 Dr. Charmaz was offered a temporary full time job at Sonoma State University, where she still teaches today. The department members their believed that her position would become permanent if someone decided to leave. Which it did.