What Are The Social Science? | And History of Social Sciences

What Are The Social Sciences?

The social sciences are academic disciplines related to the study of the social life of human beings and individuals, including anthropology, geography, economics, history, political science, psychology, social studies, and sociology. And in other words it is a major division of the academic branch, which deals with society and the relationship between individuals within a society. Instead it has many branches, each of which is considered a social science.

Positive sociologists use methods similar to the natural sciences as a tool to understand society and therefore define science in its strictly modern sense. Social scientists, on the other hand, may use social critique or symbolic interpretation instead of making hypothetical false theories and treat science in its broadest sense. Researchers in modern academic practice are often eclectic, using multiple methods (for example, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques). The term social research has earned a degree of autonomy in sharing the goals and methods of practitioners of different disciplines.

Key Takeaways

• Social sciences are a group of academic disciplines that focus on how individuals behave within society.
• Some social science majors include anthropology, psychology, political science, and economics.
• Typical careers in the social sciences include working as an economist, psychologist, social worker, or in law, government, non-profits, as well as working in academia.
• Careers in social work and economics are among some of the fastest-growing industries in the United States.
• Social sciences give us a better understanding of how to create more inclusive and effective institutions.

Understanding Social Sciences

The social sciences help to explain how society works, explore everything from the triggers of economic development and the causes of unemployment that make people happy. This information is very important and can be used for many purposes. Among other things, it helps shape corporate strategy and government policy.

The social sciences as a field of study differ from the natural sciences, which include subjects such as physics, biology and chemistry. Social science examines the relationship between the individual and society as well as the development and management of society without studying the physical world. This relies more on academic branch interpretation and more qualitative best research methods.

The social sciences include:

• Anthropology
• Economics
• Political science
• Sociology
• Social psychology

History of Social Sciences

History is a social science that observes chronological records of events based on a critical examination of the source materials, usually explaining their causes. History covers all branches of human society by studying the changes that have taken place over time: Political, social, economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural and much more. If you're interested in the details, and perhaps comparing Minecraft to World War II or "Game of Thrones" is really wrong, this might be for you. Was there really a dragon 12,000 years ago?

Individuals began to adopt a more disciplined approach to quantifying their observations about society, and over time similar aspects of society, such as linguistics and psychology, became divided into unique fields of study.

Is Psychology a Social Science

Most colleges have been classifying psychology as a social science. Psychology deals with the human mind, and behavior, bridging the gap between the social sciences and the natural sciences. The majors of psychology study human development, social behavior, and emotions that draw social science methods. 

Certain subfields are more integrated with the social sciences than others. For example, social psychology is often considered a social science, requiring more rigorous training in physical sciences in subfields such as neurophysiology and biological psychology, leading to many being classified as STEM subjects.

Social Sciences and Business

The content of the social sciences-how human behavior, relationships, attitudes, and how things have changed over time - is certainly useful information for successful business owners. Naturally, the field of social studies in economics is the key to the business sector. In particular, behavioral economists who use psychology to analyze and predict the economic decision- making process of individuals and organizations are increasingly seeking some of the world's largest brands.

However, even social science concepts such as demography, political science, and sociology are often used in a variety of business contexts. For example, the fields of advertising and marketing often use theories of human behavior from these fields to market their products to customers more efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Finally, political science cannot be a standalone or isolated field because all branches of the social sciences can explain larger questions concerning the people and the state. They have a common basis for understanding that politics and governance can play on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions on The Social Sciences

What Is Social Science?

Answer: The social sciences are a group of academic disciplines devoted to examining human behavior. And specifically how people interact with each other, behave, develop as a culture, and influence the world. This branch of science is vast and diverse and includes fields such as economics, anthropology, political science, psychology and sociology.

What are the five major branches of social science?

Answer: The five major branches of social science are economics, anthropology, political science, sociology and psychology. Some people consider history, law and geography as the main social sciences.

Why is social science important?

Answer: The social sciences are very important because they help people understand how to analyze not only their own behavior but also the behavior and motivations of their peers. The social sciences give us a better understanding of how to create more inclusive and effective institutions.

How do you become a social scientist?

Answer: Typically, a career path in the social sciences begins with a four-year university degree in a social science discipline. If interested in pursuing a career in social work or psychology, these careers often require additional schooling, certification, and licensure.

Is studying Social Science easy?

Answer: Social science consists of different disciplines and the level of difficulty varies with each subject. Candidates should select the subject based on their interest and work hard to excel in it.