Social Sciences

Study of human society and social relationships.

Basic Concepts

What Are Social Sciences?

Discovering Social Sciences

Social sciences are a group of academic disciplines focused on understanding people, societies, and how humans interact with one another. Unlike natural sciences, which explore the physical world, social sciences investigate the world we create through our behaviors, beliefs, and relationships.

Fields Within Social Sciences

Social sciences include fields such as:

  • Sociology: The study of society and social behavior.
  • Psychology: The study of the mind and behavior.
  • Anthropology: The study of humans, past and present.
  • Economics: The study of how resources are produced, distributed, and consumed.
  • Political Science: The study of governments and political processes.

Why Study Social Sciences?

Understanding social sciences helps us:

  • Make sense of current events and history.
  • Improve communication and cooperation between cultures.
  • Solve social problems like inequality, conflict, and poverty.

Real-World Impact

Social sciences are used every day in public policies, education, and even in designing social media platforms!

Examples

  • A sociologist researches why some neighborhoods have more community events than others.

  • An economist studies how a new law affects the prices of goods.

In a Nutshell

Social sciences help us understand people, societies, and the world we build together.

Key Terms

Society
A group of people living together in an organized community.
Culture
Shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group.
Discipline
A branch of knowledge studied or taught.