Social Sciences Essentials Quiz

Social Sciences Essentials

• Social science is the study of people, communities, and societies, including their behaviors and interactions with each other and their environment (built, technological, and natural).

Social Science Topics

• Identity: Focuses on how people answer the question "Who are you?".
• Beliefs: Examines what people perceive as true and their values, principles, and standards of behavior.
• Social Dynamics: Explores the relationship between individual interaction and larger group behaviors.

Branches of Social Sciences

• Sociology: The study of society and social forces that influence individual and institutional behavior (e.g., sex, gender, religion, class).
• Anthropology: The study of human and their respective cultures, encompassing both physical and cultural aspects from the beginning until present. Sub-fields include:
  • Cultural Anthropology: The study of people and their variations and progress in terms of culture, social life.
  • Linguistics Anthropology: The study of language and communication, including origins, history, and contemporary variation.
  • Archaeology: The study of past human cultures through their material remains.
  • Biological Anthropology: Study of humans as biological organisms (evolution and contemporary variation).
  • Applied Anthropology: Analyzing social, political, and economic problems and developing solutions.
• Political Science: The study of political power relations, focusing on issues like civic skills, government operations, political dynamics. It is based on observation, policy-making and related research, social investigation, analysis. Sub-fields include:
  • Political Theory: The principles, structures, conduct, and operations of the state.
  • Public Law: Laws and ordinances that govern the state/society.
  • Public Administration: The academic study of civil service and governance.
  • Political Dynamics: Relationships between societal forces, and political opportunities and actions.
  • Comparative Government: The study and analysis of different government structures/constitutions across countries, including executive, legislative, judicial bodies, laws, administrative organizations, foreign policies, and more.
  • International Relations: Analysis of nation-states' interaction, and their ties involving geographical, technological, psychological, and political factors.
  • International Law: A system of agreements and treaties between countries, emphasizing shared responsibilities.

Key Figures

• Augusto Comte: Considered the "Father of Sociology," he argued for a scientific basis for the study of society.
• Karl Marx: A German philosopher and economist who developed a theory of society emphasizing class struggles over the means of production, including a unique view compared to Comte.
• Charles Darwin: His work on the Origin of Species had a profound impact by boosting scientific developments which influenced the pace of Socio-Cultural studies.
• Franz Boas: "Father" of American Anthropology, who rejected biological determinism, promoting cultural relativism and historical particularism.

Goals of Social Sciences

• To understand how societies organize, and give meaning to their existence.
• To identify patterns of social, political and cultural behavior, and how they change.
• To provide tools to understand individual and group level interaction, including understanding civic skills and humane ideals.
• To create new knowledge and theories about humankind and human behavior.
• To produce theories that examine social roles and interdependencies of people.

Covid-19 Pandemic

• The pandemic brought a global standstill, impacting tourism, businesses, leading to widespread unemployment.
• Inflation rates were impacted.
• Labor groups pushed for higher wages.
• Online education became more prevalent due to restrictions.
• Challenges were faced in adapting to online learning, in terms of communication, learning styles, and responsibilities outside of school.

Istambay Phenomena

• Istambay, or unemployed and idle individuals, are a recurring theme in Philippine society, even before the pandemic.
• The pandemic exacerbated the issue impacting employment opportunities and further increasing the numbers of those affected.
• Measures are needed to deal with the issues related to unemployment and support related to economic support, and long-term measures/solutions.

Texting, Internet, and Online Learning

• Technology is crucial for information dissemination and education, especially during emergencies (natural disasters).
• The Covid 19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning in schools and increased reliance on technology for communication and learning.
• Challenges in adjusting to online learning were noted, including learning styles, responsibilities outside of school, and communication gaps.

Political Dynasties, Elections, and Charter Change

• Political dynasties dominate Philippine politics, often influencing elections and impacting decision-making on several levels.
• Issues with potential for abuse of power, unfair practices, and challenges to weaken the power of these influences in government are common in relation to these issues discussed.

Society and Culture

• Culture shapes and reflects aspects of life, rituals, behavior, and social norms within a common area/community/society/country.
• The study of society and culture focuses on shared culture/customs, behavior and norms which vary from society to society.

Society Characteristics

• Social System: Society is an interconnected system where changes in one part affect others.
• Relative Size: Socially integrated people in a specific location or territory make up a relatively large society.
• Socialization: A process where members are taught societal norms and expectations (whether born in a society or not).
• Endurance: Society must sustain itself across generations to survive.
• Common Culture: Shared symbols, norms, values, interaction patterns, vision, and mission unite members of a society.
• Defined Territory: Members share a defined geographical area.