Lesson 1: Introduction To Applied Social Sciences

INTRODUCTION TO THE DISCIPLINES OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES LESSON 1 Objectives: At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to: 1. Develop a comprehensive definition of social science and applied social science; 2. Clarify the relationships between social sci...

INTRODUCTION TO THE DISCIPLINES OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES LESSON 1 Objectives: At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to: 1. Develop a comprehensive definition of social science and applied social science; 2. Clarify the relationships between social sciences and applied social sciences; 3. Distinguish between social sciences and applied social sciences; 4. Compare and contrast the different applied social sciences; 5. Explain the functions and effect of applied social sciences and 6. Describe public perception of social sciences and applied social science practitioners.  What comes to your mind when you read the phrase “disciplines of applied social sciences”?  EXPLORE Applied social science is the application of social science theories, concepts, methods and findings to problems identified in the wider society (D. Jary & J. Jary 2000). Using this understanding in the segmentation of social science into distinct disciplines gives rise to the concepts of applied social sciences that include counselling, social work, and communication. 1.1 DEFINITION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Social sciences are disciplines concerned with the systematic study of social phenomena. Basically, the term ‘social sciences’ is defined as the study of human society; that particular area of study that relates to human behavior and society. In a broader sense, it is a branch of science that deals with the institutions, the functioning of human society, and with the interpersonal relationships of individuals as member of society. There are distinct disciplines or branches dealing with a particular phase or aspect of human society such as socio- cultural aspects of human behavior. 1.2 AN OVERVIEW: DISCIPLINES OF SOCIAL SCIENCES The disciplines of social sciences generally include: anthropology, economics, sociology, political science, history, criminology, psychology, geography, and communication studies. The goal of these disciplines is to explain human behavior in its many cultural forms including the past and the present, individually or in groups, national or international geopolitical contexts, and to empower them as democratic participants in a rapidly changing world. 1.2 AN OVERVIEW: DISCIPLINES OF SOCIAL SCIENCES The disciplines of social science taken together provide a substantive insight to the understanding of society and of the relationship of individual members and groups within the society. The disciplines also study all areas related to human society, the institutions and functioning of human society, and the interpersonal relationship of individuals as members of society as well as dealing with particular phase or aspect of human society.  1.3 DEFINITION OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCE Applied social science is an integrated science cutting across and transcending various social science disciplines in addressing a wide range of issues in a contemporary, innovative, and dynamic way. It aims at presenting a well-developed understanding of social systems, social theory, and social policy. It integrates theory, social research, skills and professional experience, and critical thinking skills necessary to fully address social phenomena. There are 3 disciplines in applied social science: counseling, social work, and communication.  1.3 DEFINITION OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCE Historically, social science knowledge has been compartmentalized into different disciplines, which until the 1990s and 2000s became apparent to many social critics as fragmenting rather than promoting the holistic view and complexity of social reality. This view has advanced the position that it is best that these different social science disciplines work together to produce a more effective and coherent insights on social issues under one umbrella of applied science. In this sense, social science essentially reflects an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary view and approach to social issues, policy, and response.  1.4 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SCIENCE AND APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES Social Science are more specific and focused on a distinct facet of social phenomenon while Applied Social Science attempts to focus on a distinct issue but use insights arising from various social science disciplines. While social science may explore broadly their distinct disciplines, some of their input may easily become applied while others may remain theoretical. When social science theories, concepts, methods, and findings gain application to problems identified in the wider society, then applied social science is achieved. 1.5 FUNCTIONS AND EFFECTS OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES Social science are described as generators of knowledge about the social world to cause understanding. Applied social science transcend this level though remain essentially providers of focus. They cede their passive stage to embrace the active mode when they migrate into the applied space.  The following may be considered functions and effects of applied social sciences: They generate knowledge in an organic way for evidence-based actions and solutions to social problems and issues. They provide learning feedback by simultaneously engaging the experts and the stakeholders that form a social world. They cause social science to do things rather than just remain a source of factual knowledge with little or no utility at all. They generate practical solutions to complex social problems. The provision of knowledge by social science becomes the moral basis for applied science to address the issues or problems of society. Communication provides accessibility to information and thereby serves the right of an individual and the public to be informed and to be heard by their elders and communities. The following may be considered functions and effects of applied social sciences: Counseling provides healing, courage, and strength for an individual to face his/her issues and take up the best possible option in moments of life crises. The social work promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships, and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance their holistic well-being.  EVALUATE Write your answers in a short-sized bond paper. Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ____________________ Grade & Section: ___________________________________ Score: ___________________ I- Test your Knowledge 1. Write the definition of social science and applied social sciences. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Explain the relationship between the discipline of social sciences and the discipline of applied social sciences. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ II- Check your Understanding A. Describe the profession of the following: 1. Social Worker- ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Counselor- _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Media Professional (e.g., radio/news reporter, journalist)- _________________________________________