Overview of Social Science History

Definition: Social science studies human behavior and societies, encompassing disciplines like sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and geography.
Roots:
- Emerged during the 19th century.
- Influenced by the Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, and the rise of empirical research.

Sociology:
- Founded by Auguste Comte in the 1830s.
- Focuses on social structures, relationships, and institutions.
- Key concepts: social order, change, and community.
Psychology:
- Began as a branch of philosophy.
- Transitioned to scientific study in the late 19th century with figures like Wilhelm Wundt.
- Examines mental processes and behaviors.
Anthropology:
- Studies human cultures, past and present.
- Developed in the 19th century with a focus on non-Western societies.
- Includes cultural, social, and physical anthropology.
Economics:
- Originated with Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" (1776).
- Analyzes production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
- Divided into microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Political Science:
- Focuses on governance, political activities, and political theory.
- Roots in ancient philosophy; formalized in the 20th century.
- Involves analysis of political systems, behavior, and institutions.
Geography:
- Studies the Earth's landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments.
- Physical vs. human geography.

Qualitative Research:
- In-depth interviews, focus groups, and content analysis.
- Aims to understand human experiences and social phenomena.
Quantitative Research:
- Uses statistical methods and surveys.
- Seeks to quantify behavior and test hypotheses.
Mixed Methods:
- Combines qualitative and quantitative approaches.
- Provides a comprehensive understanding of research questions.

Structuralism: Focuses on structures that influence social behavior.
Functionalism: Views society as a system of interrelated parts.
Conflict Theory: Emphasizes power dynamics and social inequalities.
Symbolic Interactionism: Studies how people create meaning through social interactions.

Early Thinkers:
- Plato, Aristotle: Foundations in philosophy and governance.
- Karl Marx: Analysis of capitalism and class struggle.
20th Century Developments:
- Rise of behavioralism: Emphasis on observable behaviors.
- Introduction of postmodernism: Challenges grand narratives and emphasizes diversity of perspectives.

Social science has shaped policies, education, and community practices worldwide.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration enhances understanding of complex social issues.

Increasing focus on globalization, cultural diversity, and social justice issues.
Use of technology and big data in social science research.

Social science encompasses the study of human behavior and societies through various disciplines.
Emerging in the 19th century, social science is influenced by the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and empirical research.

Sociology:
- Founded by Auguste Comte in the 1830s, analyzes social structures and institutions.
- Key concepts include social order, change, and community.
Psychology:
- Transitioned from philosophy to scientific study in the late 19th century, notably by Wilhelm Wundt.
- Focuses on mental processes and behavior.
Anthropology:
- Investigates human cultures, both historic and contemporary.
- Developed in the 19th century with emphasis on non-Western societies through cultural, social, and physical anthropology.
Economics:
- Originated from Adam Smith's seminal work "The Wealth of Nations" in 1776.
- Analyzes production, distribution, and consumption, with branches in microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Political Science:
- Studies governance, political activities, and theories, rooted in ancient philosophy but formalized in the 20th century.
- Involves analysis of political systems, behaviors, and institutions.
Geography:
- Explores the Earth's landscapes and the interactions between people and their environments, divided into physical and human geography.

Qualitative Research:
- Utilizes in-depth techniques like interviews and focus groups to understand human experiences.
Quantitative Research:
- Employs statistical methods and surveys to quantify behavior and validate hypotheses.
Mixed Methods:
- Integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches for a holistic understanding of research questions.

Structuralism: Focuses on underlying structures influencing social behavior.
Functionalism: Considers society as a system of interrelated components.
Conflict Theory: Highlights power dynamics and inequalities in social structures.
Symbolic Interactionism: Examines how meaning is constructed through social interactions.

Early Thinkers:
- Contributions from Plato and Aristotle laid philosophical and governance foundations.
- Karl Marx provided critical analysis of capitalism and class dynamics.
20th Century Developments:
- Emergence of behavioralism focused on observable behaviors.
- Postmodernism introduced challenges to grand narratives and emphasized diverse perspectives.

Social sciences significantly shape global policies, educational frameworks, and community practices.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration fosters a deeper understanding of complex social issues.

Enhanced focus on globalization, cultural diversity, and social justice initiatives.
Growing incorporation of technology and big data analytics in social science research.