UNIT 1

WHAT IS SOCIAL SCIENCE?

The main difference between social science
and social studies is in their intended
purposes
The social sciences are branches of Social studies is the systematic study of an
study that analyze society and the integrated body of content drawn from the
social interactions of people within a social sciences and the humanities.
society.

Subjects that fall under the umbrella It enables students to develop their
of social sciences are: anthropology, knowledge and understandings of the
history, economics, geography, and diverse and dynamic nature of society and
many others that explore societal of how interactions occur among cultures,
relations. societies, and environments.
Social science is more streams oriented. Social studies is the integrated study of
It's the science of the society; the in the social sciences and humanities to
depth knowledge and systematic study promote effective citizenry.
of each branch of social transaction.

It is empirical and based on various subjects most frequently taught to school

scientific methods of deduction to arrive students to help them understand how to
at a conclusion based on facts. be effective citizens of society.

as the name implies, deals with the deals with the observation of Society.
science of society utilizing the gathering Here students develop and apply skills as
of data and analysis of that data they investigate society, explore issues,
make decisions, and work cooperatively
with others.
Social sciences are taught under higher studies Social studies are subjects most frequently taught to
curriculum. school based students to help them understand how
to be effective citizens of society.
you study the society and social life of human groups you study both social science and humanities in order
to promote effective citizenry.

inference of those studies with the intention of solving study of all phases of societies
problems within a society, which may lead to the
ultimate development of the society as a whole.
field of sciences concerned with the studies of the term used to describe the broad study of various fields
social life of human groups and individuals. which involves past and current human behavior and
interactions
Social science is divided into many branches divided into two main categories of humanities and
social sciences.

dates back to the 18th century social studies is a relatively new term.
Conclusion:

• We can conclude therefore that even though social

studies make use of social science disciplines, it has
different orientation. The study of social studies
should remain an integral part of the educational
system at all levels. We conclude that if the social
studies and social sciences did not permeate and
cooperate with each other in the long run human
beings and society would fail to develop smoothly.
The ‘New’ Social Studies: its salient features
• The Importance Of Social Studies In The School Curriculum
The answers to the above questions can be found when we understand what
exactly is Social Studies – Social Science is a branch of study which deals with
Human Beings – their behaviour, growth and development, relationships,
resources they use and the various institutions they require to function and
carry on their life smoothly. For example – family, school, workplace,
government, judiciary, recreation clubs, etc. All these aspects of life are inter-
related and interdependent on one another. So whether one wants to become a
doctor or an engineer or a chartered accountant, an artist or a teacher, we all
have to live in a society, interact with individuals belonging to different cultural
and socio- economic backgrounds, adapt to various situations and
circumstances, and also adhere to certain societal norms in order to lead a
peaceful and productive life.
•The inclusion of Social Studies in the
curriculum right from primary to secondary
classes signifies the importance of the
subject and the role it plays in a student’s
life. Social Studies is incorporated in the
school curriculum through a combination of
subjects like – History, Geography, Cultural
Studies, Economics, Political Science,
Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, etc.
These subjects help children to develop-
• Awareness of The World and Environment: Lessons in Social Studies related to
topics like – My Family, My Neighbourhood, Community Helpers, Early Man,
Indus Valley Civilization, Modern Period in Indian History
• Lessons such as – Our Earth, Solar System, Major Landforms, Water Resources,
Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources, Natural Disasters, Disaster
Management, Pollution, enable students to learn about – outer space,
formation of different landforms; evolution of animals, flora, fauna and man,
water bodies, available resources, importance of conservation and
preservation, environmental impact on present life and future generations.
This information helps students to eventually develop a holistic understanding
of their environment and the interrelationship which exists between the
natural and human habitats.
• Helps to Develop Critical Thinking Abilities: Social Studies inculcate
higher order thinking abilities and skills like – Comprehension,
Application, Analysis, Evaluation and Synthesis, Creativity in students.
Learning a variety of topics such as – Natural Resources, Water
Resources, Transport, Communication, Caste System, Political
Ideologies, Social Reformers, Our Cultures, United Nations, etc give
students a chance to gain appropriate information and data in various
contexts.
• Helps to Enhance the Social Understanding Of Students: Different
topics included in the Social Studies curriculum for various age groups
like – Festivals of India, Different types of Families, Clothes We Wear,
Food We Eat, Our Country, States of India,
• learning about the different religions, social and cultural beliefs,
castes and creed, nationalities and ethnicity, values, languages,
festivals, food and clothing, types of families, etc makes students
aware that the society they live in, is diverse and multicultural and yet
there is interdependence and inter-relatedness between different
people, families, cultures, religions and countries.
• Helps Students To Become Better Citizens: Subjects in Social Studies
like Economics, Political Science and History educate students on
Political Ideologies, Constitutional Laws, Citizenship, Rights and Duties,
Morals and Virtues, Social Code of Conduct, thus making children
aware of their roles and responsibilities particularly in relation to
social and civic affairs.
Social studies can also be referred to as social
sciences. It’s a field which deals with human
behavior, relationships, resources, and institutions.
• Specific topics within social studies that are studied in school
coursework include geography, anthropology, economics, history,
sociology, political science, and civics
• Social Studies In The 21st Century
• Social studies connect students with the real world. In today’s
interconnected world, students must be prepared to interact with
people of all cultures and communities, and social studies prepares
them for this.
Rationale of the New Social Studies
• 4 Rationales of Social Studies
1. Social Initiation Rationale
The Social Initiation rationale sees that the primary purpose of social
studies is to initiate students into society by transmitting the
understandings, abilities and values that students will require if they
are to fit into and be productive members of society.
2. Social Reformation Rationale
This rationale sees the primary purpose of social studies is to empower
students with the understandings, abilities and values necessary to
improve or transform their society.
3. Personal Development Rationale:
This rationale sees the primary purpose of social studies is to help
students develop fully as individuals and as social beings. Its direct
purpose is neither to reform society nor maintain status quo, but to
foster the personal talents and character of each student.
4. Academic Understanding:
• This rationale sees the primary purpose of social studies is to
introduce students to the bodies of knowledge and the forms of
inquiry represented in the social science disciplines…the prime
justification of this rationale is the value of understanding the
structure and content of the social sciences.
Reference:
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