Chapter 1: Understanding Social Science
Topic 1: What
Is Social Science?
What Is Social Science?
Introduction
Human beings do not live alone. They live in families,
villages, towns, cities, states and countries. They interact with nature, use
resources, form governments, develop cultures, exchange goods, create
traditions and solve problems together.
The study of all these human activities is known as Social
Science.
Social Science helps us understand how people live,
think, work, govern, produce, trade and interact with each other and with their
environment. It explains not only what happened in the past but also why it
happened, how it affects the present and how it can influence the future.
Unlike natural sciences, which study nature and physical
objects, Social Science studies human society and human behaviour.
Definition of Social Science
Social Science is the systematic study of human
society, human behaviour, relationships, institutions, cultures, economies,
governments and the interaction between people and their environment.
Simple Definition
Social Science is the study of people, society and the
world in which they live.
Meaning of Social Science
The word Social refers to people living together in
society.
The word Science means knowledge obtained through
careful observation, investigation, evidence and logical reasoning.
Therefore,
Social Science means the scientific study of society
using facts, evidence and logical thinking.
Social scientists do not depend only on opinions or guesses.
They collect information, analyse evidence, compare different viewpoints and
then reach conclusions.
Why is Social Science Called a Science?
Many students think only Physics, Chemistry and Biology are
sciences.
However, Social Science is also a science because it follows
a systematic method.
Social scientists
- Observe
society carefully.
- Collect
evidence.
- Study
historical records.
- Conduct
surveys.
- Analyse
data.
- Compare
different situations.
- Draw
logical conclusions.
Although human behaviour changes over time, Social Science
studies it using scientific methods.
What Does Social Science Study?
Social Science studies almost every aspect of human life.
It includes
1. Human Society
- Families
- Communities
- Villages
- Cities
- Nations
2. Human Behaviour
- People's
actions
- Decision
making
- Beliefs
- Traditions
- Values
3. Government
- Democracy
- Constitution
- Elections
- Laws
- Rights
and Duties
4. Economy
- Production
- Distribution
- Consumption
- Markets
- Money
- Employment
5. Environment
- Land
- Climate
- Water
- Natural
Resources
- Human-environment
interaction
6. History
- Ancient
Civilisations
- Important
Events
- Kingdoms
- Freedom
Movements
- Social
Change
Nature of Social Science
Social Science has several important characteristics.
1. It studies human society.
It explains how people live together and organise their
lives.
2. It is evidence-based.
Conclusions are based on facts, historical sources, maps,
surveys, statistics and observations.
3. It is interdisciplinary.
It combines Geography, History, Political Science and
Economics to understand society completely.
4. It studies change.
Society keeps changing due to technology, population growth,
climate, economy and politics.
5. It develops critical thinking.
Students learn to question, analyse and understand problems
instead of memorising facts.
Objectives of Social Science
The main objectives are to
- Understand
society.
- Learn
from history.
- Respect
different cultures.
- Protect
the environment.
- Become
responsible citizens.
- Develop
logical thinking.
- Solve
social problems.
- Make
informed decisions.
Difference Between Natural Science and Social Science
|
Natural Science |
Social Science |
|
Studies nature |
Studies society |
|
Studies plants, animals and physical objects |
Studies people and human behaviour |
|
Examples: Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
Examples: Geography, History, Political Science, Economics |
|
Mostly deals with natural laws |
Deals with human behaviour and society |
|
Experiments are common |
Surveys, observations and historical evidence are commonly
used |
Importance of Social Science
Social Science is important because it helps us
- understand
our society,
- know
our rights and responsibilities,
- respect
diversity,
- understand
different cultures,
- protect
natural resources,
- appreciate
democracy,
- make
better decisions,
- solve
community problems,
- become
responsible citizens.
Without Social Science, it would be difficult to understand
why societies develop differently or how governments, economies and cultures
influence our daily lives.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1
Heavy rainfall causes floods.
A Social Scientist studies
- why
floods occur,
- how
people are affected,
- government
relief measures,
- economic
losses,
- environmental
impact.
Example 2
Food prices suddenly increase.
Social Science explains
- demand
and supply,
- inflation,
- transport
costs,
- government
policies,
- effect
on families.
Example 3
People vote during elections.
Social Science helps us understand
- why
elections are held,
- how
governments are formed,
- citizens'
rights,
- democratic
participation.
Key Terms
|
Term |
Meaning |
|
Society |
A group of people living together with shared customs and
institutions. |
|
Culture |
The beliefs, traditions, language and way of life of
people. |
|
Institution |
An organised system such as family, school or government. |
|
Economy |
The system of producing, distributing and consuming goods
and services. |
|
Government |
The authority that governs a country and makes laws. |
|
Citizen |
A legal member of a country with rights and
responsibilities. |
Quick Concept Map
SOCIAL
SCIENCE
│
┌───────────────────┼───────────────────┐
│ │ │
Society Human Behaviour Environment
│ │ │
History Political Science Geography
│
Economics
│
Better
Understanding of Society
Important Points to Remember
✅ Social Science studies human
society.
✅ It is based on evidence and
logical reasoning.
✅ It combines Geography, History,
Political Science and Economics.
✅ It helps us understand the
past, present and future.
✅ It develops critical thinking
and responsible citizenship.
Exam-Oriented Questions
Very Short Answer
Q1. What is Social Science?
Answer: Social Science is the systematic study of
human society, behaviour, institutions and the interaction between people and
their environment.
Q2. Why is Social Science called a science?
Answer: Because it studies society through
observation, evidence, analysis and logical reasoning.
Short Answer (2–3 Marks)
Explain two objectives of Social Science.
Answer:
- To
understand human society and its development.
- To
develop responsible and informed citizens capable of solving social
problems.
Long Answer (5 Marks)
Explain the importance of Social Science in our daily
life.
