Meaning of Social Science

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 Meaning of Social Science

The term Social Science is formed from two words: “Social” and “Science.”

  • Social refers to human beings living together in society and their relationships, interactions and activities.
  • Science refers to the systematic and organised study of a particular area of knowledge.
Social Science is the systematic study of human beings, society, social relationships, institutions, culture, economic activities, political life and the interaction between human beings and their environment.

In simple words, Social Science helps us understand how people live together, how society functions, how it changes, and how individuals and society influence one another.

Definitions of Social Science

According to Oxford Dictionary

Social science refers to:

“The study of society and the way people behave and influence the world around them.”

This definition highlights two important aspects:

🔜 People → Behaviour → Society → Influence on the world

Thus, Social Science is not merely the study of facts about society. It also studies human behaviour and social interaction.

According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica

Social sciences are generally understood as the branches of academic study concerned with human society and social relationships.

                🌄This broad understanding includes disciplines such as:

  • History
  • Geography
  • Economics
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology

Thus, Social Science is a broad field of knowledge consisting of several interconnected disciplines.

Meaning of Social Science as a Secondary School Subject

Social Science at the secondary level is not simply a collection of separate subjects.

It is an organised and integrated area of learning through which learners understand human beings, society, environment and their interrelationships.

👉  Secondary-level Social Science generally brings together knowledge from areas such as:

    😄    History + Geography + Economics + Political Science + Sociology + Civics

depending on the curriculum.

    😃It aims to help learners understand society and participate meaningfully in social life.

A. Understanding the Individual

  • needs
  • behaviour
  • values
  • attitudes
  • responsibilities

  • rights and duties

    • “Who am I as a member of society?”

    B. Understanding Society

  • family
  • community
  • social groups
  • institutions
  • social relationships
  • social customs
  • social problems

  • social changes

    • C. Understanding the Past

                        😏 past experiences and developments

  • civilisations
  • important events
  • movements
  • social changes
  • political developments

  • cultural developments
    • D. Understanding Space and Environment 
                            🐔- human–environment relationship
  • Earth
  • natural resources
  • climate
  • population
  • settlements
  • agriculture
  • industries
  • environment
    •                         🌏Climate → Agriculture → Economy → Human life
    E. Understanding Economic Life

                        🚛economic activities

  • production
  • consumption
  • distribution
  • resources
  • employment
  • poverty

  • development

    •                        🏠 day-to-day economic life

    F. Understanding Political and Civic Life

    •  Constitution
    • Democracy
    • Government
    • Citizenship
    • Rights
    • Duties
    • Justice
    • Equality
    • Fundamental rights
    • Democratic participation

                    👪responsible and informed citizens

    Social Science as an Integrated Subject

    💦Learn and understand social science in different perspectives

    Social Science is related to real life

                    💥life-related nature.

    Democracy → school elections / class discussions
    Economics → household budget / prices
    Geography → rainfall / agriculture / disasters
    History → heritage and historical places
    Civics → rights and responsibilities
    Environment → waste management / pollution

    Social Science is not merely a textbook subject; it is a study of life in society.


    The ultimate meaning at Secondary Level

    💥Social Science at the secondary level is an integrated area of study that helps learners understand human beings, society, history, geography, economy, polity, culture and environment, and develops the knowledge, values, skills and attitudes necessary for responsible participation in democratic and social life. 💥


    💙    Knowledge → awareness about the society
    💙    Skills → analysis, interpretation, critical thinking, problem solving
    💙    Values → equality, justice, democracy, tolerance
    💙    Participation → responsible citizenship








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