Understanding Social Science

• Social science examines society and the relationships between individuals in it.
• Disciplines include anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology, and linguistics.
• Empirical investigation and critical analysis develop knowledge about human social behavior.

Core Disciplines

• Anthropology studies humanity, including human behavior, biology, cultures, societies, and linguistics in the present and past.
• Archaeology studies human history and prehistory by excavating sites and analyzing artifacts.
• Economics studies production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
• Geography studies Earth's landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environment.
• History studies past events, mainly in human affairs.
• Political science studies the theory/practice of politics, analysis of political systems/behavior.
• Psychology studies the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior.
• Sociology studies society, human social behavior, social relationships, interaction, and culture.
• Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure, including grammar, syntax, and phonetics.

Methodology

• Social science research uses qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis to identify patterns.
• Qualitative research collects/analyzes non-numerical data like interviews, observations, and textual analysis.
• The scientific method involves developing a hypothesis, testing it via data, and drawing conclusions.
• Surveys, experiments, case studies, and ethnographic studies are common research methods.

Key Concepts

• Culture comprises shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices of a group or society.
• Socialization is the process by which individuals learn and internalize societal norms and values.
• Social Structure is the organized set of institutions and patterns composing a society.
• Power is the ability to influence or control the behavior of others.
• Inequality is the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and social status.
• Social Change is the transformation of social structures, systems, and behaviors over time.
• Globalization describes the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of societies.

Theoretical Perspectives

• Functionalism focuses on how social institutions contribute to societal stability.
• Conflict Theory emphasizes power, inequality, and conflict in shaping social relations/change.
• Symbolic Interactionism examines how individuals construct social reality through interactions.
• Rational Choice Theory assumes individuals make decisions based on cost-benefit calculations.
• Feminism analyzes inequality between men and women and advocates for gender equality.
• Poststructuralism questions universal truths and emphasizes the diversity of experiences.

Applications

• Social science research informs public policy, aiding evidence-based decisions.
• Understanding social patterns/behaviors improves education, healthcare, and social welfare.
• Insights are used in business/marketing to understand consumer behavior and market trends.
• Knowledge is vital for addressing social problems like poverty, crime, discrimination, and environmental degradation.
• It promotes social justice, human rights, and sustainable development.

Interdisciplinary Nature

• Social science often overlaps and interacts with humanities, natural sciences, and professional fields.
• Interdisciplinary research combines insights/methods to address complex social issues.
• Environmental studies combine social and natural science perspectives.
• Public health integrates social/behavioral sciences with medical science.

Ethics in Social Science Research

• Researchers must adhere to ethical principles to protect participants' rights/well-being.
• Informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity are essential.
• Researchers should avoid causing physical, psychological, or social harm.
• Research should be objective/unbiased; findings reported accurately/transparently.

Notable Figures

• Émile Durkheim founded sociology; known for work on social solidarity, suicide, and religion.
• Karl Marx developed conflict theory; critiqued capitalism and theorized class struggle.
• Max Weber founded sociology; known for bureaucracy, rationalization, and the Protestant ethic.
• Sigmund Freud founded psychoanalysis, known for theories of the unconscious mind.
• Franz Boas pioneered modern anthropology; emphasized cultural relativism and critiqued racial theories.

Current Trends

• Increasing focus on globalization, immigration, and transnational issues.
• Growing use of technology and big data in social science research.
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to address complex social problems.
• Increased awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and practice.
• Greater attention to environmental sustainability and the social impacts of climate change.

Social science explores society and human relationships, encompassing disciplines like anthropology and economics. It employs empirical investigation and critical analysis to understand human social behavior. Core disciplines include economics, geography and history.