Social Science
Introduction
Social science is a major category of academic disciplines, concerned with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. It encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, and psychology. Social science, as a field of study, is separate from the natural sciences, which cover topics such as physics, biology, and chemistry. Social science, however, does overlap with other fields of study, including history and law.
History
The history of social science can be traced back to Ancient Greece with the works of Plato and Aristotle. However, it was not until the 19th century that social science began to be recognized as a distinct academic discipline. During this time, scholars such as Auguste Comte and Karl Marx began to develop theories and methods that would form the basis for modern social science.
Disciplines
Social science encompasses several disciplines, each with its own set of theories and methodologies.
Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humans and human behavior. It is divided into two main subfields: cultural anthropology, which studies the cultural aspects of human societies, and physical anthropology, which studies the physical and biological aspects of humans.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of human society and social behavior. It examines the social institutions and cultural norms that shape and are shaped by human behavior.
Political Science
Political science is the study of politics, including the analysis of political systems and political behavior. It encompasses several subfields, including comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
Economics
Economics is the study of how societies allocate scarce resources. It examines how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions about how to spend their resources.
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. It encompasses several subfields, including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
Methodologies
Social science research often involves a mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis, are used to test hypotheses and make predictions. Qualitative methods, such as interviews and observation, are used to explore complex social phenomena in depth.
Applications
The findings of social science research are used in a wide variety of fields, including policy making, business, and education. For example, sociological research can inform policies on issues such as crime and poverty, while psychological research can be used to develop strategies for improving mental health services.