Republic of the Philippines

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

Cabagan, Isabela

LESSON 1: THE CONCEPT, NATURE, AND SCOPE OF

SOCIAL SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

LESSON 1: THE CONCEPT, NATURE, AND SCOPE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND

SOCIAL STUDIES

LESSON OVERVIEW

This lesson introduces the definitions of social science and social studies given
by various authors as well as their nature and scope. It also discusses their
similarities and their differences.

LEARNING OUTCOME

1. Define the concept, nature, and scope of the social science and social studies
2. Differentiate Social Science and Social Studies

LESSON CONTENT

DEFINITION OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

Various scholars have defined social science by taking into consideration its
unique as well as common features. Let us examine some of definitions of social
science to begin with.

According to James High “Social Sciences as those bodies of learning and study
which recognizes the simultaneous and mutual action of physical and no-physical
stimuli which produce social relation”.

According to Charles Beard “Social Sciences are a body of knowledge and

thought pertaining to human affairs as distinguished from sticks, stones, stars and
physical objects”.

Bining & Bining defines Social Science as “the subject that relate to the origin,
organization, and development of human society, especially to man in his association
with other men”.

Perhaps a clarification for social sciences given by James High will us a precise
picture of this conception: they are, History, (man’s story), Anthropology (man’s
ethos), Geography (man’s abode), Political science (man’s order), Sociology (man’s
association), Economics (man’s subsistence) and Psychology (man’s behavior).
MEANING OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

In general, any branch of study that deals with the social life of man and
employs scientific method for its study may be conceived as social science. Thus, it
includes a wide variety of branches of knowledge from History and Philosophy to Law
and Education. Social Science at present learnt at the secondary stage in our schools
comprises of History, Civics, Geography, Economics and some parts of sociology and
all the relevant issues faced by contemporary society. But in the true sense it is not
merely a combination of the contents of these subjects. This curriculum was
introduced with a view to help children to develop an insight into human relationships,
social values and attitudes and also to help them appreciate other cultures along with
our rich cultural heritage in other words, a meaningful realization of the objectives
teaching social science will result in the “life-skill education”.

NATURE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

The definitions given above just indicate the nature of social science as subject
study. The real nature of this discipline can be well understood only by further
analyzing these definitions. Such an analysis will yield to the following basic features
or essential characteristics of Social Science, which may be considered as the nature
of the subject. These are:

1. A unique combination of various disciplines. Though social science can

be treated as a separate subject it is a harmonious blending of various subjects
like history, geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Anthropology,
Psychology, Law, Literature, Art Education etc. in other words, it draws
interrelated information from various disciplines or subjects of study and
integrate these meaningfully so as to give a new insight into the exact nature
of social life in its totally.
2. A study of human relationships. It is the study of man and his relationship
with other human beings and his environment. It deals with myriad issues of
man and its solutions. It studies the web of relationship between and among
people, classes, groups, institution, traditions, organizations, etc.
 3. A study of man’s development through ages. It offers a comprehensive
study of man’s progress in each period how he succeeded in his attempts why
he failed what are the unique contribution of man who lived at various ages of
human history for human development and the like.
4. A realistic course of study. Social Science provides real life situations to the
learner. Effective interpretation of these would necessitate intense study of any
social problems, processes and phenomena. The learner can imbibe many
values like co-operation and interdependence.
5. It forms an important part of the core-curriculum. Social Science is
considered as an irreducible minimum programme essentially required for
equipping man with the insights and skills that would enable him to lead a
successful life. Even a learner who likes to go for some other specializations
like Mathematics or Science should have developed this awareness and
knowledge for success in those fields also.
6. It includes commitment to action. Social science enables every learner to
be an informed individual who uses his knowledge by participating actively and
constructively in the affiants of society. Through the socially significant nature
of its content it helps the student to learn the process of individual and social
action required for informed citizen in a democracy.
7. Aims at preparing the learner for wholesome social living. By
understanding and analyzing the subject matter, the learner imbibes some
essential knowledge of his social environment. It may enrich his intellectual and
social skills helpful to lead a purposeful and successful adult life.

SCOPE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

On the basis of the characteristics of Social Science enumerated above we are

now in a position to define the educational scope of that subject of study.

By scope we mean the extent, variety, depth. breadth and comprehensiveness

of learning experience possible through its curriculum transaction. Thus, the scope at
Social Science is defined by the range of content and experiences that are to be
provided to the learner through its teaching. Scholars like Michaels are of the opinion
that the breadth of Social Science programme should provide for a variety of
experience so that the child learning will be well rounded and well balanced. It should
also be possible to thaw upon other fields of learning so that all significant problems
can be considered in the light of their many ramifications: a narrow compartmentalized
programme is sure to limit the scope of social learning.

The major scopes of Social Sciences as a subject of study are listed out
below:

1. Vast and wide as the world: The scope of social science is very vast. It is
as wide as the world and as long as the history of man. It may be apt here to
remember Johnson's (renowned historian) words. History is everything that
ever happened is the study of human relationships in areas such as
a. People of one's own nationally and people across the world.
b. People and various kinds of institutions.
c. People and Earth (Place of Living).
d. People and Time (Chronology).
e. People and Resource (Goods and Services)
For a meaningful understanding of these webs of relationships a basic
knowledge of history, civics, geography, economics, sociology, anthropology.
etc., recognized in a meaningfully integrated manner is essential. More over
when these subjects are synthesized in to a compact whole by blending them
together the comparatively limited scope of each subject become broader and
deeper.
2. A functional study of natural and physical sciences and fine arts: the
term fictional study indicates that whatever be the factual materials obtained
from various areas of study must have direct and immediate relationship to the
needs and interests of children.
Social Science, Natural science and Physical science are different areas,
but they are quite interdependent and inter-related. The developments in the
field of science and technology have thoroughly changed the social life of man
all over the world. The vision of man has today extended beyond his society
and nation to the world as a whole. In Social Science we have to deal how
 advances in the field of Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Chemistry and Physics
have helped the health, progress and welfare of people's life at large.
To have a better understating of people all over the world a functional
study of fine arts such as drawing, painting, music, dance, architecture, etc.,
should be included in the Social Science curriculum.
3. A study of current affairs: When dealing with our current problems and
issues a meaningful analysis of the past also becomes essential. Such scientific
study of contemporary issues is of great value in Social Science education as
all these focus towards a more equipped future.
4. A study leading to international understanding: The study of two world
wars convinced us the fact that best policy for any nation is “Live and Let live”
as quoted by Jawaharlal Nehry. Universal Brotherhood of man is essential in an
age of crisis. Social Science possesses-the required potential to lead children
towards this prime goal.
5. Practical study of various Resources: Social Science as a subject of study
is rich enough to give a good exposure not only to natural resources but also
to human resources of different cultures and civilizations. Field trips to places
of historical, cultural, geographical, economic, scientific and educational
importance will give learners rich practical experiences that would add to their
social efficiency.

Source: Bharathidasan University. (2015). Center for Distance Education: Social

Science Education. Retrieved from http://www.bdu.ac.in/cde/docs/ebooks/B-
Ed/I/TEACHING OF SOCIAL SCIENCE.pdf

WHAT ARE SOCIAL STUDIES

Different people mean different things by Social Studies because, fortunately,

exact scope and function have not been standardized. In its least developed form, a
Social Studies course is sometimes built up by breaking down the artificial barriers
separating the subject fields of History and Geography, and adding enough Civics to
supply pupils with essential information such as how the legal system works and the
form and scope of local government.
 But most schools that try out Social Studies soon pass beyond this rudimentary
conception and see that the revealing to the child where he is in time, space, and
society and the relationships that link the present with the past, the local with the
distant, and personal and national life with the lives and cultures of other men and
women elsewhere in time and space. It becomes, in fact, the study of relations and
interrelations historical, geographical, and social and so provides the young person
with the basis of public knowledge and orientation to life without which he is left
unaware of the significance of study, his personality is denied the means of
integration, his interest left unstirred and his energies untapped. In addition, a broad
Social Studies course provides a core of knowledge, experience, and insight around
which other subjects, at whatever degree of specialization, may be built up in a
coordinate way.

A Social Studies course, absorbs the time and much of the subject matter
formerly allotted to History, Geography, and Civics, does not limit itself to the fields
formally covered by these “subjects”. The outlook is essentially broad and
explanatory, and the course is broken up into a series of correlated units of study
rather than conducted as a rigid sequence of lessons. It thus offers endless
opportunities for active learning; for relating the lessons. It thus offers endless
opportunities for active learning; for relating the lesson to contemporary events; for
co-operative study by the form as a group. This active study in its turn encourages
the child to search for himself into material being studied.

“What we study in Social Studies is the life of man in some particular place at
some particular time, and we use every possible ‘subject’ to help us understand his
problems and how he dealt, or deals, with them. The main aim is to give a better
understanding of present problems. We are attempting to give our future citizens
some true understanding of the development of mankind. We are trying to trace with
the children the fascinating story of how man has developed through the ages of how
man has studied to use and control his environment and how his life has been
influenced by this, of how our institutions have grown out of the past and should
therefore be respected, and of how they have undergone many changes to meet
changing needs and must undergo many more from time to time. Man’s struggle with
his environment yesterday and today, man’s use or misuse of his powers and
resources, his development, the essential unity of civilization, these are the main
themes of Social Studies. We are trying to break the habit of putting knowledge into
water-tight compartments labeled, History, Geography, English, Economics, We are
also trying to train children in the habit of thinking clearly, to be able to use all
knowledge at their command to solve problems and to be able to find the necessary
information.”

DEFINITION OF SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies is a field of study which deals with man, his relation with other
men and his environment; its content is drawn from several social sciences. It is a
course of study including anthropology, history, geography, economics, political
science, sociology, law, civics, etc. cited by Paleeri (2019).

According to Forrester “The social studies are, as the name suggests, studies
of society and their chief aim is to help people to understand world in which they have
to live and how it came to be, so that they may become responsible citizens. They aim
at promoting critical thinking and readiness for social change, at creating disposition
for acting on behalf of general welfare, at an appreciation of other cultures and the
realization of interdependence of man and man and of nation and nation.”

According to John Michaelis “the Social Studies are concerned with man and
his interaction with his social and physical environment; they deal with human
relationships; the central function of the social studies is identical with the central
purpose of education – the development of democratic citizenship”.

Whereas, National Council for the Social Studies defined Social Studies as “the
integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.”

Social studies deal with the study of man and his relationship with other men
and with the environment. They call upon many fields of knowledge for subject matter
content. Social studies concern itself with human beings, those most fascinating of all
creatures who, in a variety of ingenious ways, can device mean of meeting their basic
needs and developing a social system in a wide range of different environment. Social
science has traditionally been regarded as the parent discipline of social studies.
Instruction in social studies is drawn from the following disciplines.

Social study is the study of man and his relationship with his social and physical
environments.

• Geography
• History
• Social psychology
• Philosophy
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Political science
• Economics

These disciplines acquaint the child with his social and physical environments,
and have a unique responsibility to help the child learn those understandings,
attitudes, and skills which are necessary for democratic citizenship. Social studies
make an important contribution to the social education of children. They have fact; a
special responsibility to assist children to learn social living skills- Examples will be
given.

In other words, we can say that Social Studies is the life of man in some
particular place at some particular time. We therefore use every possible subject to
help understand his problem how he dealt with the struggle with environment
yesterday and today. Man’s use of his powers, his development and the essential unity
of civilization. These are the main themes of social studies.

SCOPE OF SOCIAL STUDIES

The scope of social studies includes the content, subject matter or the
experience that are to be provided to the learner through the teaching of this subject.
The scope of social studies is vast as it includes a variety of man’s needs and problems.
It has a very wide scope.
 The National Council for Social Science. (NCSS- USA) 1994 include the following
in the scope of Social Studies.

1. Culture. Characteristics of the cultures found in the world are studied and
children are taught the similarities of the cultures and appreciation of those
different cultures are done in this course.
2. Time, Continuity and Change. Change is an important factor in social
studies when and how are the three questions answered by social science.
What was man in the past, how he has learnt different things, what his
achievements are and how he has reached at this stage? All these questions
are answered through this subject.
3. People, Places and Environment. People living in different parts of the
world face different environmental and geographical problems relating to their
physical and geographical conditions. Environment has an effect on people and
places. What are those influences? How do people get affected? What are their
life styles?
4. Developing Responsible Citizens. Developing them as responsible and
accountable citizens, who will be informed and educated citizen of the country,
who will be aware about their rights and duties?
5. Individual Group and Organization. Individual is definitely influenced by
the various groups and organizations which are present in the society. So, it
includes study of all the institutions and organizations of the society.
6. Power, Authority and Government. It includes the types of government
the, rights and duties of citizens. It also includes the study of state’s powers
and authorities as well as how the state protects their citizens.
7. Production, Distribution and Consumption. Here social studies take
assistance of economics in studying the production, distribution and
consumption of resources and their influence on human behavior and national
growth.
8. Science, Technology and Society. Society is definitely influenced by the
development in science and technology and it contributes to the economy of
the nation so social studies include the study of science and technology and
their influence on human life.
 9. Global Interdependent. People are dependent on other countries for their
daily needs. Countries have interdependence in the field of trade, commerce,
transportation, communication and research so Social Science also includes the
study of world’s interdependence.
10. Democratic Ideals and Practices. Social Studies aim at producing
responsible productive citizens of the world by stressing on universal citizenship
and global citizenship concepts.
11. Current Trends and Current Issues in The World. Social Studies include
the study of current events in the community states and countries as well as
the world so the citizens can become aware about world affairs and new
developments, which can help them to become aware citizens who can
participate in the societal enlistment.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN SOCIAL STUDIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

1. Social Science and Social Studies are not only related generically. They also
share common body of content.
2. Both are related to society and have same aims and objectives.
3. Both emphasis on inculcating good qualities like truthfulness, sincerity, etc. of
human being.
4. Both helps to understand the various aspects of the society and utilize them.
5. Both are must be accurate and reliable- only then can be useful (Paleeri, 2019).

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOCIAL STUDIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

1. The focus and emphasis of both are different. When a student studies
geography as a social science, he has to focus his attention on the methods of
geography, tools and concepts, etc. While studying geography as a Social
Studies, he should focus attention on using ideas and concepts from
geography, to understand man, how his efforts to control his environment
have led to a better life, how various geographical factors influence his life,
etc.
 2. Social Sciences represent an adult approach, while the social studies represent
a child-approach: Social sciences are to be taught at the high school and
college level. Social Studies are simplified portions of social sciences to be
taught at primary level.
3. Social sciences are the theory part of human affairs; social studies are the
practice part of human affairs: Social sciences are large bodies of organized
and authentic knowledge representing human affairs. While Social Studies
gives an insight into various aspects of man and society.
4. The social sciences are far larger than the social studies: The purpose of the
social sciences is to find out new truth about human relationships; the purpose
of the social studies is to guide adolescents in their learning of selected
portions of what has been discovered in social sciences.
5. In social sciences, social utility is the primary object; in social studies
instructional utility is the primary object.
6. Social sciences are the part of cultural of knowledge having direct bearing on
man’s activities in any field, Social studies offers learning situation and insight
into all knowledge (Paleeri, 2019)

FLEXIBLE TEACHING LEARNING MODALITY ADAPTED

1. Module
2. Edmodo
ASSESSMENT TASK
Differentiate Social Science and Social Studies using a Venn Diagram

REFERENCES

Bharathidasan University. (2015). Center for Distance Education: Social Science

Education. Retrieved from http://www.bdu.ac.in/cde/docs/ebooks/B-
Ed/I/TEACHING OF SOCIAL SCIENCE.pdf

Paleeri, S. (2019). Educational Innnovations: Meaning and definition of Social

Sciences. Retrieved August 19, 2020, from
http://paleeri.blogspot.com/2019/09/meaning-and-definition-of-social.html

http://awarecitizens.blogspot.com/2010/04/unit-1-concept-of-social-studies-
lesson.html