Understanding Social Science
CHAPTER 01: COURSE NOTES
Date: 17/05/26
Key Definitions of Social Science
According to James High:
"Social science is defined as bodies of learning and study which recognizes the simultaneous and
mutual action of physical and non-physical stimuli which produce social relation."
According to Charles Beard:
"Social science is described as a body of knowledge and thought pertaining to stones, stars and
physical objects."
General Definition:
"Social science can be understood as the study of two closely related aspects of human life: People
and their relationships and Systems and institutions."
• People and their relationships: This includes the ways in which people interact and support one another
in everyday life. It covers family life, community living, social customs, religion, and cultural practices, roles
and responsibilities, and patterns of behavior.
• Systems and institutions: This includes the organized structure that shapes how society works.
Institutions such as government, law, courts, schools, police, markets, banks, and local bodies influence
daily life.
Meaning of Social Science
• Social science is a systematic study of human society and the relationship between the individual and
society, social institutions, and organizations.
• Social science studies how people live together through relationships, shared spaces, customs, and
responsibilities.
• It examines systems and institutions such as government, law, schools, markets, and courts that shape
people's daily life.
• It uses organized inquiry, evidence, and reasoning rather than assumption or personal opinion.
• It explains social issues by linking causes and consequences often across geography, history, economics,
and politics.
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Scope of Social Science
The scope of social science refers to the wide range of questions and areas it studies in order to understand
human life in society. At the school level, social science is commonly organized around four core disciplines:
1. GEOGRAPHY AS A DISCIPLINE
• Geography studies the earth as the home of human beings. It helps us understand landforms, climate,
rivers, soils, forests, and resources.
• It studies how people live in different places and how they use the environment.
• Geography also helps us understand environmental challenges such as floods, drought, deforestation,
pollution, and climate-related risks.
2. HISTORY AS A DISCIPLINE
History explores people and their lives in different periods. It focuses on:
• Social and cultural development.
• The rise and fall of institutions and ideas.
• Major events and changes.
• Movements for freedom and justice.
• History also teaches us to respect diversity.
3. POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE
• Political science studies how societies are governed.
• It focuses on government institutions, laws, rights, duties, and the ways in which people participate in
public life.
• Political science also supports inclusivity and equity by discussing equality before laws, protection of
rights, and the responsibility of the state to support all citizens, especially those who are underprivileged.
4. ECONOMICS AS A DISCIPLINE
Economics studies how people and societies manage resources and make choices. It helps us understand
how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed, and how people earn a living. It examines:
• Work and employment.
• Markets and prices.
• Income and expenditure.
• Poverty and development.
• The role of the government in the economy.
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Relevance of Social Science
Social science is relevant because it helps us to understand our lives and the world around us. It connects
classroom learning to everyday experiences. Its relevance can be understood through four important areas:
society, environment, economy, and governance.
Q. Why does Social Science have a wide scope?
Ans: Social science has a wide scope because society involves environment, livelihood, rules, and
collective decision making.
Q. Why is Social Science relevant?
Ans: Social science is relevant because it helps us to understand our lives and the world around us. It
connects classroom learning to everyday experiences.
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
Every society has different groups and different ways of living. Social science helps us understand how these
differences develop and how people learn to live together.
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
• Human beings depend on the environment for survival and development.
• Social science helps us understand how human activity affects the environment and how environmental
changes affect human life.
• By studying these, social science encourages sustainability. Sustainability helps us to think beyond
immediate gain and consider long-term effects on nature and society.
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND THE ECONOMY
• Social science helps students understand economic choices not only at the family level but also at the level
of society.
• Economics also helps us to understand why development should not only mean more income.
Development should also mean better education, health, safety, and dignity.
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND GOVERNANCE
• Government decisions influence schools, hospitals, roads, law and order, and public welfare schemes.
• Social science helps students understand how to engage with them.
• Governments must support inclusivity and equity.
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Q. What does social science help us understand?
Ans: Social science helps us understand diversity, discrimination, and social exclusion, and support
inclusivity in daily interactions. It explains how environmental changes affect human life and why
sustainability matters for long-term well-being.
WRITE THE ANSWER IN ONE WORD:
Description Answer
(i) Study of connection b/w people Social Science
(ii) Defined social science as 'bodies of learning' James High
(iii) Study of past events? History
(iv) Study of governance and power? Political Science
(v) Study of resource management? Economics
(vi) Discipline studying earth as human home? Geography
(vii) Supreme law of India Constitution
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