CONCEPTUAL BACKGROUND OF SOCIAL SCIENCE, MEANING AND SCOPE, NEED AND SIGNIFICANT

INTRODUCTION 

The social sciences describe disciplines that explore human behavior and use the scientific method where information is collected and analyzed. These disciplines involve research and data collection and analysis. Social scientists apply their research to help solve problems.

CONTENT 

Social science meaning, nature and scope Social science is generic term covering the scientific study of man. It is a discipline or branch of science that deals with the socio- cultural aspect of human behviour. The social science is generally includes cultural anthropology, economics political sciences, sociology, criminology, and social psychology. 

According to James High “Social sciences as those bodies of learning and study with recognizes the simultaneous and mutual action of physical and non physical stimuli which produce social relation.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Social studies is a field of study which deals with man, his relation with other men and his environment; its content is drawn from several social sciences. It is a course of study including anthropology, history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, law, civics, etc.

Nature of social science 

1. A unique combination of various discipline 

2. A study of human relationship 

3. A study of man’s development through ages 

4. A realistic course of study 

5. It forms an important part of the core-curriculum 

6. It includes commitment to action 

7. Aims at preparing the learner for wholesome social living.

Scope of social studies

A. The scope of social studies is very vast and wide as wide as the world itself and as lengthy as the history of man. It is the study of human relationships in areas such as: 

1. People of one’s own nationality and people across the world. 

2. People and various kinds of institutions. 

3. People and Earth. 

4. People and Time. 

5. People and resources.

B. A functional study of Natural and Physical sciences and Fine Arts.

Social Science-Natural Science- Physical Science are inter related Development, change, etc. in one field effect the others.

C, A study of current affairs.

D. A study leading to international understanding.

E. Practical study of various resources.

Similarities between Social studies and Social Sciences: 

• Social Science and social studies are not on related generically. 
• They also share common body of content. 
• Both are related to society and have same aims and objectives. 
• Both emphasis on indicating good qualities like truthfulness, sincerity, etc. of human being. 
• Both helps to understand the various aspects of the society and utilize them. 
• Both are must be accurate and reliable-only then can be useful.

Difference between social studies and Social science:

The focus and emphasis of both are different:-when a student studies geography as a social science, he has to focus his attention on the methods of geography, tools and concepts, etc. While studying geography as a social studies, he should focus attention on using ideas and concepts from geography, to understand man, how his efforts to control his environment have led to a better life, how various geographical factors influence his life, etc.

Social sciences represent an adult approach, while the social studies represent a childapproach: Social sciences are to be taught at the high school and college level. Social studies are simplified portions of social sciences to be taught at primary level.

Social sciences are the theory part of human affairs; social studies are the practice part of human affairs: Social sciences are large bodies of organized and authentic knowledge representing human affairs. While social studies gives an insight into various aspects of man and society.

The social sciences are far larger than the social studies: The purpose of the social sciences is to find out new truth about human relationships; the purpose of the social studies is to guide adolescent in their learning of selected portions of what has been discovered in social sciences.

In social sciences, social utility is the primary object; in social studies instructional utility is the primary object.

Social sciences are the part of cultural of knowledge having direct bearing on man’s activities in any field, Social studies offers learning situation and insight into all knowledge.

Need and significance

Better Reading And Learning

Social studies is one area in education where content integration is key. Students are given reading material corresponds with the current learning topics. Giving reading materials in context helps students become better readers. They also become better learners because they are asked to use analysis, critical thinking, and writing to show understanding.

Citizen Responsibilities and Values

How can we expect young people to contribute positively to society, engage in discourse, and thrive in a democratic society if they are not exposed to the topics and aspects of history and life that made society the way it is? Students need an understanding of history, political science, culture, and all humanities to be able to understand why it is important to be a good citizen.

Cultural Understanding

Students should be exposed to cultures far beyond what they experience personally every day. Not every student has the opportunity to interact with other cultures on a daily basis. We need students to learn about, understand, and appreciate cultural differences if we expect them to have meaningful interactions with people of all backgrounds in the future.

Economic Education

Economics is a crucial part of social studies, whether studied on its own, or as a part of history, anthropology, or political science. By learning economics, young people understand how their financial decisions have an impact on their future, as well as the future of society. 

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a part of social studies- students are taught to evaluate others decision and make connections between influences and circumstances. Young people get the opportunity to learn from other 'mistakes through social science.

Real-World Understanding

Studying social sciences gives students an understanding of the real world around them. Students learn about places, cultures, and events around the world, what conspired to make them the way they are, and can make inferences about how the rest of the world works. 

Political Skills

From social studies classes, students learn about government, political ideas, country economy and resources, and more. Students gain political skills by analyzing and evaluating existing systems and imaging the future of the place in which they live

Respect History

History is what made the world the way it is, and it is essential that people study it in order to have an appreciation for and understanding of the way the world works. Learning about history is what makes it possible to learn from the past and plan for the future.

CONCLUSION

Social sciences are a group of academic disciplines that focus on how individuals behave within society. Some social science majors include anthropology, psychology, political science, and economics. Typical careers in the social sciences include working as an economist, psychologist, social worker, or In law, government, non-profits, as well as working in academia. Careers in social work and economics are among some of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Social sciences give us a better understanding of how to create more inclusive and effective institutions.

REFERENCE 

 Social science encyclopedia, by Adam Kuper and Jessica Kuper 

 Social Science Reference Sources A Practical Guide, by Tze- chung Li 

 Development of Societies: The Next Twenty- Five Years, by Martinus Nijhoff