What are the seven social sciences?
The seven social sciences are: anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, sociology, and psychology.
Definition of Social Science:
Social science is defined as any scholastic discipline or scientific field that investigates human society.
According to James High “Social Sciences as those bodies of learning and study which recognizes the simultaneous and mutual action of physical and no-physical stimuli which produce social relation”.
According to Charles Beard “Social Sciences are a body of knowledge and thought pertaining to human affairs as distinguished from sticks, stones, stars and physical objects”.
Bining & Bining defines Social Science as “the subject that relate to the origin, organization, and development of human society, especially to man in his association with other men”.
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.
Definition of Social Studies:
According to Michaelis, “the Social Studies are concerned with man and his interaction with his social and physical environment; they deal with human relationships; the central function of the social studies is identical with the central purpose of education – the development of democratic citizenship”.
National Council for the Social Studies defined Social Studies as “the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence".
Nature of Social Science:
The real nature of this discipline can be well understood by analyzing the above definitions.
1. A unique combination of various disciplines.
2. A study of human relationships.
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:
The scope of Social Studies is very vast and wide as wide as the world itself and as lengthy as the history of man. According to Michaelis “the breadth of social studies programme should provide for a variety of experiences so that the child’s learning will be well rounded and well balanced”.
The main points are as follows:
1. Vast and wide as the world. It is as wide as the world and s long as the world. It is the study of human relationships in areas such as:
a. People of one’s own nationality and people across the world.
b. People and various kinds of institutions.
c. People and Earth.
d. People and Time.
e. People and resources.
2. 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
3. A study of current affairs.
4. A study leading to International Understanding.
5. Practical study of various resources.