Social science is the study of how people interact with one another. The branches of social science include anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology, among others.
Social scientists study how societies work, exploring everything from the triggers of economic growth and the causes of unemployment to what makes people happy. Their findings inform public policies, education programs, urban design, marketing strategies, and many other endeavors.
Key Takeaways
- Social science involves academic disciplines that focus on how individuals behave within society.
- It seeks to understand and explain societal functions, from economic growth and unemployment to happiness and quality of life.
- Emerging prominently in the 20th century, social science has become integral for creating informed public policies and practices.
- Career opportunities in social science include roles such as advertiser, economist, psychologist, teacher, manager, and social worker.
- Social scientists typically use more qualitative research methodologies compared to their natural science counterparts.
Embracing the Depth of Social Science
Social science as a field is distinct from natural sciences like physics, biology, and chemistry, focusing on the intricate relationships between individuals and societies. This comprehensive academic field encompasses multiple disciplines relying heavily on interpretation and qualitative research.
There are several key fields within social science, with the primary ones being anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology. Additional fields often discussed include history, criminology, and geography.
The Dynamic Branches of Social Science
The social sciences can generally be categorized into the following prominent branches:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Political science
- Psychology
- Sociology
Other areas periodically affiliated with social sciences include history, law, and geography. Here’s a closer look at these primary branches:
Anthropology: Exploring Human Cultures
Anthropology is the study of human societies, cultures, and their development. Its significance soared during Europe’s Age of Enlightenment, focusing on advancing societal and knowledge through understanding human behavior.
Economics: Unveiling Market Dynamics
Economics as a field has deep historical roots dating back to Greek philosophers. It explored systems of trade and the concept of value, shaping contemporary economic theories and policies.
Political Science: Shaping Governance and Policies
Political science, rooted in ancient Greece, studies governments, political activities, and political entities. Scholars like Plato, Aristotle, and modern thinkers like Max Weber and Karl Marx contributed immensely to this field, promoting democracy and informed policymaking.
Psychology: Decoding the Human Mind
One of the fastest-growing fields, psychology, examines mental functions and behaviors. With roots in medical study, it addresses mental health issues and offers various treatment methodologies, aiding millions globally.
Sociology: Understanding Societal Dynamics
Emerging during times of social upheaval in the 1800s, sociology addresses the rapid social changes and challenges, investigating societal stability amidst shifts. Courses in the U.S. began appearing by the late 19th century, influencing modern societal studies.
Social Science in Education
Education in social sciences begins early in elementary school and advances through high school. Institutions, such as the University of California, Berkeley, offer specialized programs across multiple social science departments, promoting comprehensive understanding and expertise.
Thriving Careers in Social Science
Careers in social science are diverse and impactful. Advertisers, psychologists, teachers, lawyers, managers, social workers, and economists benefit greatly from social science studies.
Economists and Social Workers: On Demand
Economists analyze trends to forecast economic developments, while social workers play pivotal roles in societal well-being. Both careers are highly sought after, offering competitive wages and job security.
Social science wages
BLS data highlight that social science graduates generally command higher salaries, with promising projections for economists, social workers, and related professions.
The Roots of Social Science: A Historical Perspective
Tracing back to ancient Greeks, social science evolved significantly during the Age of Enlightenment. Enlightened thinkers like Smith, Voltaire, and Rousseau laid the groundwork for modern social science.
The Significance of Social Science Today
Social sciences foster a deeper understanding of human interactions, aiding individuals and institutions in creating more inclusive, efficient, and effective societies.
Embarking on a Social Science Career
A four-year degree in social science disciplines is a common starting point, particularly for specialized careers in social work or psychology that may require additional qualifications.
Career Opportunities with a Social Science Degree
Graduates can pursue various roles in economics, psychology, academia, and beyond, contributing significantly to societal betterment.
The Bottom Line
Social science provides vital insights into human behavior and societal dynamics, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and promoting societal prosperity.
References
- University of South Florida, Digital Commons. “Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices”, Pages 10-11.
- University of South Florida, Digital Commons. “Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices”, Page 14.
- Thomas Hylland Eriksen and Finn Sivert Nielsen, via Google Books. “A History of Anthropology”, Pages 11–19. Pluto Press, 2013.
- International Monetary Fund. “What Is Keynesian Economics?”
- Washington State University, Open Text WSU. “History of Psychology”.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Mental Health Treatment Among Adults: United States, 2020”.
- OpenStax. “Introduction to Sociology 3e: 1.2 The History of Sociology”.
- Yale University. “Welcome to the Yale Sociology Department”.
- Michael DeCesare, via JSTOR. “The High School Sociology Teacher”. Teaching Sociology, vol. 33, no. 4, October 2005, pp. 345–354.
- UC Berkeley. “Berkeley Letters & Science: Berkeley Social Sciences”.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Economists: Job Outlook”.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Workers: Job Outlook”.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Economists”.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Social Workers”.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Field of Degree: Social Science”.
- Lynn McDonald, via Google Books. “The Early Origins of the Social Sciences”, Chapter 2. McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1993.
- Encyclopædia Britannica. “Social Science”.
