Although the term “social studies” includes primarily
history, geography, civics, economics, and sociology
, it also deals with materials from other subjects. … Therefore, the social studies are those subjects in which the content as well as the purpose is focused upon human beings.
Social sciences: a definition
A good definition is given by the European Science foundation – the social sciences are
those subjects which examine and explain human beings
. … The major social sciences are Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Linguistics, Politics, Psychology and Sociology.
Social studies is a discipline that includes humanities such as geography, history, and political science. … “The primary purpose of social studies is
to help young people make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world
.”
- History aims at helping students to understand the present existing social, political, religious and economic conditions of the people.
- Geography studies the earth in relation to mankind.
History/social studies is not a single content area, but rather is an umbrella term for several disciplines focused on the study of human society. In California, these core disciplines are
history, civics and government, geography, and economics
.
Social studies is
the study of history, people or society
. … The study of history, geography, civics, sociology, economics, and other social-science subjects, especially in primary and secondary school.
- Geography.
- History.
- Culture and Society.
- Civics and Government.
- Economics.
1 :
a branch of science that deals with the institutions and functioning of human society and with the interpersonal relationships of individuals
as members of society. 2 : a science (such as economics or political science) dealing with a particular phase or aspect of human society.
Full Definition of social studies
: a part of a
school or college curriculum concerned
with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society and usually made up of courses in history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography, and anthropology.
Who is the father of Social Studies?
David Emile Durkheim
is considered the father of Social Sciences or Sociology for their remarkable works in laying a foundation on practical social research. Social Science is the branch of science devoted to studying human sciences and the relationships among individuals within those societies.
The most important branches of Social Science are
Anthropology, Economics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, History, Law, Linguistics, Archaeology and Geography
.
What is the main purpose of Social Science?
Social science tells us about
the world beyond our immediate experience
, and can help explain how our own society works – from the causes of unemployment or what helps economic growth, to how and why people vote, or what makes people happy.
General objectives of social studies include:
To develop the ability to adapt to a changing environment
. This means that social studies make individuals aware of their environment. To inculcate national consciousness and national unity in students/citizen.
The main difference between social science and social studies is
in their intended purposes
. The social sciences are branches of study that analyze society and the social interactions of people within a society. … Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote effective citizenry.
Studying social studies
helps students figure out their role in society as well as their place in history
. By studying the past, students learn how institutions, traditions and ideals change as society modernizes. They also learn how cause and effect influence relationships between individuals, groups and nations.
Basically, scope of Social Studies entails
man, his environment (physical environment and social environment) as well as science and technology which man uses to make his environment suitable or conducive for him
. It also entails the fact that Social Studies is an integrated subject.