Social Sciences Definition and Overview

The social sciences are all about how society works. Social scientists examine
institutions like the government, the economy, and family; they also study how
individuals and groups interact with one another and what drives human behavior.

Some examples of social sciences include the following:

Anthropology

Economics

Geography

Political science

Psychology

Sociology

Social science differs from natural science in that it examines the human, constructed
world rather than the physical world. Fields like biology, chemistry, and physics use the
scientific method to propose hypotheses and theories. Social scientists rely on similar
methods, such as quantitative data analysis, to study society.

The social sciences also share some of the same methodological approaches as those
used in the humanities, like qualitative research. Both the humanities and social
sciences use analytical and interpretive approaches to learn more about the human
world.

The social sciences share some of the same methodological approaches as

those used in the natural sciences and humanities.

However, the social sciences entail more quantitative and scientific methods. For
example, economists rely on statistics and forecasting to understand trends, while
political scientists use surveys and polling to track political changes.

Despite these differences, many question whether certain fields — including

psychology, economics, history, sociology, political science, and philosophy — fall
under the umbrella of the humanities or social sciences.

Is Psychology a Social Science?

Most colleges classify psychology as a social science. Psychology deals with the human mind
and behavior, bridging the divide between social science and natural science. Psychology
majors study human development, social behaviors, and emotions, which draw on social science
methods.

Certain subfields align more with the social sciences than others. Social psychology, for instance,
is more often considered a social science, whereas subfields like neuropsychology and biological
psychology require stronger training in the physical sciences, leading many to categorize them
as STEM subjects.

Is Economics a Social Science?

Economics is a social science focused on the economy and economic activities.

Students majoring in economics study economic systems and how individuals and
organizations produce and exchange goods. Economists examine topics like the role of
the government in shaping the economy, individual economic behaviors, and the
distribution of goods and services.

Both macroeconomics and microeconomics utilize social science tools to collect and
analyze data, create data-backed projections and predictions, and understand supply
and demand.

Is History a Social Science?

History falls somewhere between the social sciences and humanities. In the early 20th century,
most historians considered their discipline a social science because they used — and still use —
quantitative tools to understand the past.

In recent decades, however, a growing number of historians have begun to refer to their field as a
humanities subject due to the fact that they study the history of culture and human values.

While many colleges today group the history department with other social sciences, some
consider it a humanities field.

Is Sociology a Social Science?

Sociology is a social science focused on society and social institutions. In many ways,
sociology was the first social science, since the discipline originally applied the scientific
method to human society.

Sociology majors study human societies to answer questions about social change,
disorder in society, and social stratification. Sociologists explore how social institutions
shape individual behavior, societal evolution, and how organizations interact with one
another.

Is Philosophy a Social Science?

Most colleges consider philosophy a humanities subject rather than a social science. Philosophy
emphasizes foundational questions about reality, human nature, and the relationship between
mind and matter. Philosophy majors use logic and critical theory to address topics such as
morality, the external world, art, and objectivity.

Many social science disciplines look to the principles of philosophy to try to understand human
behavior, morality's impact on decision-making, and the development of social institutions.

Is Political Science a Social Science?

Political science is a social science subject that involves the study of political
institutions, government systems, and political behavior. These scientists use qualitative
and quantitative research to understand political trends and decision-making.

In a political science degree program, students learn about the rise of political
institutions, the law-making process, and the interactions between political powers.
Some political scientists specialize in political theory, whereas others study international
relations, comparative politics, or American politics.

Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

The Role of the Social Sciences in Higher

Education
In the 19th century, French philosopher Auguste Comte argued that scholars should
use scientific methods to analyze society. Calling this new approach "sociology," Comte
and his followers searched for laws of society that would meet the same scientific
standards as the laws of nature.

Today, many universities offer social science majors through their College of Arts and
Sciences, and most require social science classes as part of their general education
requirements.

Social Science Classes and Gen Ed Requirements

Gen ed courses provide a breadth of training for students. Many colleges require gen ed
classes in subjects like math, English, communication, the natural sciences, history, and
the social sciences.

Social science courses are a core part of a liberal arts education.

Social science courses build critical thinking and analytical skills, making them a core
part of a liberal arts education. As a result, many schools include social science classes
in their gen ed requirements.

For example, students at the University of Virginia's College of Arts and Sciences must
take gen ed courses in three distinct social science categories. Likewise, the State
University of New York system requires undergraduates to choose from among various
electives — including the social sciences — to fulfill the gen ed requirements.

Skills Gained in Social Science Courses

The social sciences play a central role in a bachelor's degree program because they
strengthen key skills, which hold immense value on the job market. In social science
classes, students analyze texts to understand their meaning, collect data to project
trends, and research changes in social institutions.

Below are some of the most important skills gained in a social science program:

Analytical Abilities

The social sciences emphasize the ability to analyze several types of sources, including
written sources, numerical data, and survey results. Students conduct qualitative and
quantitative analyses and learn how to reach conclusions based on their analyses. Social
science coursework trains learners to make data-supported recommendations.

Research Skills

Social science majors learn about the research methods in their field, including both
qualitative and quantitative research. Assignments teach students how to identify reliable
data sources and evaluate a research question using a variety of sources. Depending on
the school, undergrads may conduct research as part of a senior thesis or capstone project.

Communication
 Strong communication skills benefit professionals in nearly every field. Social science
students learn to communicate their ideas in writing and speech. A social science degree
also emphasizes persuasive communication, as learners must practice convincing others
of their interpretation of the data.

Problem-Solving

Training in the social sciences can help sharpen problem-solving skills. Students learn to
define problems, collect data, and evaluate information to reach a conclusion. Problem-
solving draws on many other core social science skills, such as analysis, research, and
decision-making.

Critical Thinking

This final skill synthesizes analytical, research, and evaluation abilities. Critical thinking
requires the ability to identify the most useful sources, question evidence, and identify
patterns. Social sciences build critical thinking skills by teaching undergrads to
thoroughly analyze information so they can reach logical conclusions supported by their
sources.

Indeed's 2020 list of the most in-demand skills in today's workforce ranks analytical and
problem-solving skills near the top. The ability to interpret data, identify trends, and
make data-backed decisions helps social science majors succeed in their chosen
careers.

What Are the Most Popular Social Science Majors?

As a fundamental liberal arts branch, social science remains popular among college
students.

The most popular social science majors include psychology, political

science, economics, and sociology.

Data released by the National Center for Education Statistics shows that several social
science subjects rank among the most popular majors. In 2017, 14% of majors
belonged to the social sciences, with 159,000 students earning a bachelor's degree in
the social sciences or history and 117,000 earning a degree in psychology.

The most popular social science majors include psychology, political science,
economics, and sociology, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education
and the Workforce. Many students also focus on anthropology, geography, criminology,
and international relations.
Some people's list of social sciences include closely related fields like social work,
public administration, and education, which also rank among the most common
undergraduate majors.

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The Professional Value of a Social Science Degree

Research from Georgetown indicates that social science majors earn typical salaries for
college graduates. The median starting salary for social science majors ($33,000) falls
slightly below that for business majors ($37,000) and just above that for humanities
majors ($29,000).

By mid-career, professionals with a social science degree typically earn around $60,000
a year, or $24,000 per year higher than the median annual wages for a high school
graduate without a college degree.

Social Science Jobs

A social science degree can lead to several professional paths, including a career as a
social scientist. For example, geographers apply their undergraduate training to study
the Earth and human geography. A bachelor's degree meets the requirements for many
positions, including those with the federal government.

Many jobs in the social sciences require a graduate degree. A master's degree
represents the typical entry-level education for political scientists and economists.
Psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists generally require an advanced degree
as well.

Over 40% of social science majors go on to earn a master's or doctoral degree.

Obtaining a graduate degree translates into a 45% increase in median annual wages.

Median Social Science Salaries

 Political Scientists: $122,220

 Economists: $105,020
 Sociologists: $83,420
 Geographers: $81,540
 Psychologists: $80,370
 Historians: $63,680
 Anthropologists and Archaeologists: $63,670

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Other Careers You Can Pursue With a Social Science Major

Social science majors can take advantage of many different career paths after
graduation. In addition to social science jobs, a social science degree can lead to
positions in fields like law, education, and business.

In the business sector, social science majors may work as data analysts, market
research analysts, or economic researchers. The growing field of data analytics often
hires candidates with a social science background. All of these jobs draw on the
analytical and research skills of a social science degree.

A social science degree can lead to positions in fields like law, education,
and business.

Social science majors may also take a position working for the government or in civil
service. Possessing a background in geography or political science could open doors in
urban planning, public finance, and public administration.
Some social science degree-holders may prefer to work in education. High school
teachers educate students in several social science disciplines, including geography,
social studies, and civics. Note that teaching jobs generally require a state-issued
teaching license.

Additionally, the analytical and critical thinking training gained from a social science
degree can prepare graduates to pursue a career in law. Many political science,
economics, and psychology majors choose to continue their education through law
school.

PayScale's 2019 College Salary Report identifies numerous in-demand careers for
social science majors, including financial analyst, intelligence analyst, fraud investigator,
and social services director.

Should You Get a Social Science Degree?

Social science majors study exciting topics like criminality, elections, decision-making,
and abnormal behavior, all while strengthening their analytical and critical thinking skills.
A social science degree can prepare you for success in a number of professional fields.

Compared with STEM and humanities majors, social science majors

reported a higher rate of employment after college graduation.

In a study by the Campaign for Social Science, social science majors reported a higher
rate of employment after college graduation: 84% of social science graduates held a job
3.5 years after graduation, compared with 78% of STEM majors and 79% of humanities
majors. Social science majors were also more likely to hold a managerial or senior role.

While there's no guarantee you'll nab a job right out of college, a social science degree
can offer plenty of benefits. In a social science program, you'll not only build critical skills
like problem-solving and data interpretation, but you'll also learn how you can apply your
newfound knowledge and abilities to a number of potential career tracks.
Social sciences
Social sciences are disciplines of academic study that examine different aspects of
society. There are several branches of social science, all of which share the same
aim of studying how people behave, interact, and influence the world.

The term 'social science' covers an extremely wide variety of subjects – let's take a
look.

FIND POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

What is social science?

In essence, social science is the study of human
society. As subjects that examine and explain
human behaviour, social sciences help us develop
our understanding of the world beyond our
individual experiences.

The most common social science subjects

include Anthropology , Archaeology, Economics , G
eography , History , Law, Linguistics, Politics, Psyc
hology and Sociology .

Social sciences can help uncover useful insights

into society in a variety of ways - from
understanding how minds work, to how societies
as a whole function. Social science is vital for understanding important societal
functions, such as economic growth and unemployment triggers, as well as what
makes people happy.

This provides important information for governments, local authorities and

organisations. Social science research has influenced a huge number of policies
and practices.

Social science vs natural science

Social sciences are a separate field of study to natural sciences . The main
difference between social and natural science is that social science examines the
relationships between individuals and societies, whereas natural sciences focus on
aspects of the physical world. Natural sciences include areas such as biology,
chemistry or physics.

Why study a social science subject?

So why study a social science subject at the postgraduate level? For some,
postgraduate social science study offers the chance to continue with the subject
they loved as an undergraduate. This is a great way to develop your skills and
knowledge in more detail.

Rachel, a masters student, explains, “I absolutely loved writing my undergrad

dissertation, and wanted the chance to do more work like that...I wanted to do a
masters because I didn't want to give up on my subject just yet.”

For others, the skills gained from a social science subject offers a unique edge in
their planned career. In particular, subjects like Law or Economics are well suited to
particular career goals.

Even with subjects that are more open, the amount of commitment and work
expected during a postgraduate course shows a lot about your abilities, and it is
something employers will take notice of.

You'll learn many transferable skills, such as critical thinking, analytical skills,
research skills and problem solving. You’ll also understand how to apply previously
learned information to new situations, and how to engage with new concepts
quickly.

Disciplines of social science

Social science encompasses a broad range of
subject areas. There are many disciplines of
social science, meaning there is lots of choice
when considering whether to study a social
science subject at postgraduate level.

Some postgraduate students may even choose to

study a different discipline to their undergraduate
degree, since there are several transferable skills
and intertwined areas across branches of social
science.
Let's look specifically at the subjects known as the social sciences:

Anthropology
Anthropology is known as the 'science of humanity'. Anthropologists explore topics
relating to the human experience. This includes human behaviour, cultural relations,
and how the evolution of humanity has influenced society's structure.

Anthropology is often described as being both scientific and humanistic, meaning

it's well-suited for anyone looking to indulge passions for both kinds of subject.
Anthropology research also involves exploration of historical human experiences,
although there's plenty of chance to apply it in modern contexts too!

Find anthropology courses

Archaeology
Archaeology is the study of humanity through material remains of past life and
behaviour. Similar to anthropology, archaeology explores past life and cultures,
although this relies much more on the evidence from material remains.

Whilst many people think of archaeologists as being like Indiana Jones, the truth is
very different – though no less interesting. Archaeology involves excavation work,
material analysis and surveying. Europe is an ideal place to study archaeology, with
many archaeological sites of interest thanks to its rich history. There are many
material remains from the Roman Empire, the Vikings, and other significant past
movements.

Find archaeology courses

Economics
Economics looks at the production, distribution and consumption of goods and
services. When studying economics at postgraduate level you can choose to take a
close view or a broad one, but in general, economics involves looking at how the
economic systems of the world work.

This knowledge can be applied both theoretically and practically, meaning the
subject is well suited for anyone interested in the current economic world.

Find economics courses

SEARCH SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSES

Plenty of students opt to study one of the social sciences at postgraduate level,
gaining insight into people, places and various fascinating aspects of every day life.
Use our course search to find your perfect postgraduate program in the social
sciences.

FIND OUT MORE

Geography
Though many of us may remember geography as the subject at school that involved
maps, it goes beyond that – analysing population, the land itself, the relationship
between the two and often linking to the earth sciences (such as geology). At
postgraduate level, you'll be able to specialise in a particular branch of geography –
such as oceanology, environmental management or tourism geography.

Find geography courses

History
History is a broad social science subject that involves studying particular past time
periods. Whilst postgraduate level study gives you a chance to specialise in a
particular field of history, you'll still be using similar skills – interpreting sources,
looking at current theories of the past, and assessing ideas against the available
evidence. With Europe's long, well-documented history, there's the chance to get to
look at the places you're studying first hand.

Find history courses

Law
Studying law will give you the opportunity to look at a variety of legal systems, and
to focus on a particular area – contract law, international law or criminal law, to
name but a few. Doing further study in law is especially useful if intending to go into
it as a career, although it is possible to study it solely for academic reasons.
Visit LLMstudy.com for more information about studying law at a postgraduate level.

SOCIAL SCIENCE BURSARY WINNER & FUNDING

OPPORTUNITY
Ross Montgomery is a 27-year-old student studying an MSc in Psychological
Studies at the University of Glasgow. The Scottish student chose this postgraduate
course because of his desire to understand the fundamentals of psychology before
going on to study a counseling diploma. Ross was delighted to be awarded one of
our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500. Speaking about his financial
award he says, “It’s such a helpful weight off my mind – I’m very grateful for the
support.” We have x20 Postgrad Solutions Bursaries for 2021 – and this time you
could be the lucky recipient of £500.
 FIND OUT MORE

Linguistics
Linguistics is the study of language – looking at how human language is formed,
processed and used in different contexts. Rather than learning to speak a particular
language, this social science subject is more about how language itself works.

There are a broad range of study areas in linguistics, typical areas of study include
syntactic analysis, language acquisition, sociolinguistics, phonology, and the
evolution of language. With the EU having 23 official languages, and Europe itself
having more than 60 indigenous regional and minority languages, what better place
to study linguistics?

Find linguistics courses

Politics
Politics affects every part of life, so it's no wonder it makes such a fascinating area
of study. Often broken up into Political Philosophy, Comparative Politics and
International Relations, a postgraduate course in politics lets you study both
historical and current events.

This is a degree perfect for those aiming for a career in politics or local authority, as
well as for those interested in pursuing further academic study. And, with the EU
containing so many differing systems, it's a fantastic place to study it.

Find politics courses

Psychology
Both theoretical and experimental, psychology makes use of studying both social
behaviour and neurobiological processes. With such a broad area of study – the
human mind – you'll specialise in particular areas.

These can include child development, interpersonal relationships or social

psychology. Europe has a long history with psychology, thanks to Germany's
involvement in its development, so in studying here you'll be joining a long line of
innovative scholars.

Find psychology courses

Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, both on an individual and structural level. Covering
topics such as class, religion and social mobility, there's a broad range to choose to
specialise in.
Some sociologists work solely for theoretical purposes, whilst others intend to use
their findings in policies or welfare. In such a multicultural continent as Europe,
you'll find plenty to study, and with the amount of changes that have taken place in
the past century, there'll definitely be an area of sociology to interest you.

Find sociology courses

In summary
Of course, these subjects aren’t the only areas that come under the 'social sciences'
umbrella. Each university will have a variety of different courses included in their
social sciences department – for example, some will include subjects
like international relations , media studies or even accounting in their social sciences
faculty. These, and more, are among the social science subjects offered by many
UK and European universities today.

The Importance Of Social Studies In The School

Curriculum
ByTanushree Dhandhania

358,460

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The answers to the above questions can be found when we understand what exactly is Social Studies
– Social Science is a branch of study which deals with Human Beings – their behaviour, growth and
development, relationships, resources they use and the various institutions they require to function
and carry on their life smoothly. For example – family, school, workplace, government, judiciary,
recreation clubs, etc. All these aspects of life are inter-related and interdependent on one another. So
whether one wants to become a doctor or an engineer or a chartered accountant, an artist or a teacher,
we all have to live in a society, interact with individuals belonging to different cultural and socio-
economic backgrounds, adapt to various situations and circumstances, and also adhere to certain
societal norms in order to lead a peaceful and productive life.

The inclusion of Social Studies in the curriculum right from primary to secondary classes signifies
the importance of the subject and the role it plays in a student’s life. Social Studies is incorporated in
the school curriculum through a combination of subjects like – History, Geography, Cultural Studies,
Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, etc.

These subjects help children to develop-

Awareness of The World and Environment: Lessons in Social Studies related to topics like – My
Family, My Neighbourhood, Community Helpers, Early Man, Indus Valley Civilization, Modern
Period in Indian History, The French Revolution, Great World Leaders, etc teach students about the
various civilizations, movements and renaissances that occurred over the years. This knowledge
enables the students to understand how the world and different societies have evolved, the important
events that have occurred in the past, enduring ideas and eminent personalities that have created an
impact and affected the lives of people both locally and globally. It also helps students to understand
how different societies are structured, managed and governed. This in turn helps students to
understand their place in the world.

Lessons such as – Our Earth, Solar System, Major Landforms, Water Resources, Natural Vegetation
and Wildlife Resources, Natural Disasters, Disaster Management, Pollution, enable students to learn
about – outer space, formation of different landforms; evolution of animals, flora, fauna and man,
water bodies, available resources, importance of conservation and preservation, environmental
impact on present life and future generations. This information helps students to eventually develop a
holistic understanding of their environment and the interrelationship which exists between the natural
and human habitats.

Helps to Develop Critical Thinking Abilities: Social Studies inculcate higher order thinking abilities
and skills like – Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Evaluation and Synthesis, Creativity in
students. Learning a variety of topics such as – Natural Resources, Water Resources, Transport,
Communication, Caste System, Political Ideologies, Social Reformers, Our Cultures, United Nations,
etc give students a chance to gain appropriate information and data in various contexts. The
information gained allows students to make relevant observations, identify similarities and
differences, make connections between related concepts, ideas and resources. Appropriate
experiences further enhance the students’ understanding about how different things and people affect
their day to day lives. For example – in order to investigate poverty in the society, students require
knowledge of subjects like – History, Economics and Politics. Students first have to gain information
and comprehend ideas such as discrimination, resource allocation and political priorities. They then
need to understand, analyze and evaluate the existing connections between those ideas and theories to
make sense of how poverty affects certain populations in the country. This knowledge can be further
put to use to foster creativity, if students are asked to think about ways or come up with new
solutions and policies which they think can help reduce poverty. They could be given a chance to
present their ideas in the form of debates, essays, role plays or class projects.

Helps to Enhance the Social Understanding Of Students: Different topics included in the Social
Studies curriculum for various age groups like – Festivals of India, Different types of Families,
Clothes We Wear, Food We Eat, Our Country, States of India, My Community, Socio-Religious
Reforms, Challenging the Caste System – help students to observe, learn and understand human
behaviour, values and attitudes and the interrelationships which exist among different people. They
come to know about the different religions and cultures which exist in the world other than their own.
They also learn about the societal strata and norms of society and the need of various governing
bodies and other institutions. This in turn helps the students to develop a wider perspective of society
and the human condition.

Furthermore, learning about the different religions, social and cultural beliefs, castes and creed,
nationalities and ethnicity, values, languages, festivals, food and clothing, types of families, etc
makes students aware that the society they live in, is diverse and multicultural and yet there is
interdependence and inter-relatedness between different people, families, cultures, religions and
countries. This helps students to recognize the benefits and challenges of living in a world with
multiple cultures and ideologies. This awareness helps them to understand the importance of
democracy, rights and freedoms and the fact that in order to live and coexist peacefully each and
everyone needs to respect, trust and balance the various opinions, values and attitudes, lifestyles,
cultures and practices and ideologies existing in society.

Helps Students To Become Better Citizens: Subjects in Social Studies like Economics, Political
Science and History educate students on Political Ideologies, Constitutional Laws, Citizenship,
Rights and Duties, Morals and Virtues, Social Code of Conduct, thus making children aware of their
roles and responsibilities particularly in relation to social and civic affairs. By providing relevant
information and knowledge, skills and attitudes, the study of Social Science prepares students to
grow up as active, responsible, and reflective members of society. It also teaches them to address
societal and global concerns using literature, technology and other identifiable community resources.

Thus, we can conclude that incorporating Social Studies in the school curriculum ensures
wellrounded education of the students.

Tanushree Dhandhania completed her Master of Science (M.Sc) in Human Development from
Jadavpur University in 2004 and was awarded the University Gold Medal. She began her career in
the education field as a lecturer in J.D.Birla Institute and then worked as a preschool teacher with
Kangaroo Kids in Kolkata. She started working as an independent education consultant in 2008
taking up various projects related to research, monitoring and evaluation and content development
with organisations like – Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy (Kolkata, W.B); Educomp Solutions Ltd
(India); Jingle Bell School (Faizabad, U. P.) and Vikramshila Education Resource Society (Kolkata,
W.B). She is also associated as a freelance resource person with Pearson Education (India) to
conduct teachers’ training programs.