Meaning and Definition of social science

Social science is a study of the social environment. It integrates the experience and
knowledge concerning human relationship. It is a subject of study at the secondary school
level which offers a systematic study of man in relation to his society .It includes a wide
variety of branches of knowledge from various disciplines such as History, Geography,
Civics, Political science and Economics. The curriculum was introduced with a view to
help children to develop an insight into human relationships, social rich cultural heritage
.In other words, a meaningful realization of the objectives of teaching social science will
result in the life –skill education.

One of the earliest use of the term social studies appeared in the United States in
1905 in an article in the southern workman written by Thomas Jessey Jones .In 1908,he
further expanded this and become the chairman of the committee on social studies of the
‘Commission on Reorganization of Secondary Education Association’. That committee
submitted its report in 1916 and the subject was widely recognized and identifies a
curricular area for secondary school students. Its origin in India can be traced back with
the formulation of the Basic System of Education in1937.The main purpose was to
prepare young people to become productive citizens.

Definition of Social science

1. James Hamming in Teaching of Social science ‘a study of relations and inter relations
–historical, geographical, and social.’

2. J.M .Forester observes,’Social science is the study of society and its chief aim is to
help pupils to understand the world in which they have to live.’

3. Westly and Adams (1946) –‘The term social science is used to designate the school
subjects which deal with human relationship’.

4. Commission on Reorganization of Secondary Education Association (USA 1916) ‘The

term social studies are understood to be those whose subject matter relates directly to the
organization and development of human society and to man as a member of social
groups.’

5. John U Michael is ‘The term social studies are concerned with man and his interactions
with his social and physical environment they deal with human relationships.’

6. National Curricular Framework for school Education by NCERT 2000-‘The term

social science has used for social studies ,It has observe, social science education aims at
providing students essential knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for self
development and also for becoming an effective and contributing member of the society.

Similarities between social science and social studies

Social science and social studies have many similarities. They are not related
generally but also share a common body of content. The centre of focus in social science
and social studies is man’s relationship to man and his environment and how he meets his
needs. Human relationships are the common denominators. The subject matter is
generally known as social studies in the primary and middle classes where gradual
unfolding of the total environment –physical, social and cultural is needed. As a student
gains more insight and becomes mature to interpret raw data at the secondary and higher
secondary stages, he emerges from the social studies and enters in to social sciences.

Comparison between social science and social studies

SOCIAL STUDIES SOCIAL SCIENCE

1. A subject of study at the primary level, A branch of knowledge at higher level

learnt through experiences appropriate to
the special stage of development of the
pupils
2.Social studies are the simplified portions
of social science
3. Social studies represents a child centered
approach
4. social studies are the practical part of
human affairs
5.Social studies deals with simple, easy,
appealing , interesting and learnable
6.It develop a sense of democratic
citizenship and social consciousness
7.Combination of various ideas selected
from different social science
8.To help the learners to process
socialization
9. Social studies are deals with detailed and Social science are a complex subjects
systematic study of human relationships
(secondary, higher secondary and college
level) learnt through a variety of
experiences and approaches appropriate to
the nature of the developmental stage of the
learners at that level
Social science are the advanced studies of
human society
Social science represent an adult approach
Social science are the theory part of the
human affairs
Social science deals with what, why and
how
It develop deeper insides into human affairs
A separate discipline developed by
integrating ideas of the different disciplines
To develop the ability to critical and logical
thinking and for applying the acquired
knowledge and skills in unfamiliar
situations
10. Its scope is comparatively narrow and
general
11. Social studies drawn its content from
social science and contemporary life for
instructional purposes
12. Emphasizes familiarities with
functional aspects of man and his society.
Its scope is very vast and deep
Social sciences are those area of knowledge
dealing with man and society in the
development of civilization
Emphasizes in-depth knowledge of
generalizations leading to solutions of
problematic issues paused by social life

Nature of social science

In the modern age teaching social science is very important. The pupil acquires
knowledge of their environment, an understanding of human relationships and certain
attitudes and values which are vital for intelligent participations in the affairs of the
community, the state, the nation and the world. An effective program of social science is
essential in India for the development of good citizenship and emotional integration.

Education is a social concept, philosophically evolved psychologically developed

and socially based. Education is as old as the human race itself .Parents, teachers,
politicians, reformers, social workers and religious leaders etc are all equally interested in
it. Education as a social science is thus receiving new interpretations and is
revolutionizing the entire structure of the educational process.

Some important points in connection with nature of social science are given
below.

1. A unique combination of various disciplines - Social science includes various

disciplines such as geography history political science economics sociology anthropology
philosophy psychology etc… These subjects are very important in present centuries.

2. A study of human affairs or relation - Social science is the web of relationship between
among people and that develop people and their environment

3. A study of mans development through ages - It offers a comprehensive study of mans

progress in each period, how he succeeded in his attempts, and why failed; what are the
unique contributions of man to the society

4. Social science aim at preparing the learner for whole some social living – By this
subject matter the learner imbibes some essential qualities or knowledge of his social
environment. It may enrich his intellectual and social skills helpful to lead a purposeful
and successful adult life.
5. A realistic course of study – Social science provides real life situations to the learner
which would necessitates intense study of many social programs , processes , and
phenomena. The learner can accept many values then corporation and interdependence.

6. It forms an important part of the core-curriculum - Social science is a broad and

composite instructional area which draws its information from the total environment with
special reference to the physical social and cultural elements.

7. It includes commitments to actions – Social science enables every learner to be an

informed individual who uses his knowledge by participating activity and constructively
in the affairs of society. Social science, in its content and teaching methods, help the
students learned the process of individual and group actions required of citizens in a
democracy. Through the participation in school and community under the responsible
guidance of the teacher, students learned the skills and behavioral patterns required in
social life.

Scope of social science

The term scope refers to the breadth, comprehensiveness, variety and the extent of
learning experiences to be provided through a programme of teaching. The scope of
social science is defined by the range of content and experiences that are to be provided
to the learner through its teaching. The breadth of the programme should provide for a
variety of experiences so that the child’s learning will be well rounded and well-balanced.
New truths about human relationships need to be included in the programme so as to
contribute to social utility and advancement of knowledge. The programme has to be
comprehensive enough to cover all the problems and situations that arise in daily living
or it will have no significance to children.

This area of the curriculum deals with a variety of man’s needs and problems.
Some major points in connection with scope of social science subject are given below:

1. Vast and wide as the world: Scope of social science is as wide as the world and as long
as the history of man. The major concern of this area of study is to acquaint the child with
his past and present geographical and social environment. It is the study of human
relationships in people and people and people across the world, various kind and time.

2. Study of current affairs: When dealing with our current problems and issues a
meaningful analysis of the past also is possible. Contemporary issues are of great value in
social science as all these focus towards a more equipped future.
3. A study leading to international Understanding: The best policy for any nation is “live
and let live”. The pupils should be made familiar with the main course of human history,
in varied aspects of unity and diversity change and development. Education shall promote
understanding, tolerance, and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups and
shall further the activities of the united nations for the maintenance of peace.

4. Practical study of various resources: 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.

Above all the scope of social science is vast and boundless provided it is learnt in depth
with a scientific perspective.