Everything you need to know about social studies!

Social studies (also referred to as social sciences) is a field that deals with an academic understanding of human behavior, relationships, and institutions. This discipline inculcates socially responsible behavioral traits amongst the different groups within society. 

Social studies play an important role in helping younger generations connect with the real world. In a global environment, such as the one present today, it is crucial for you to prepare to interact with individuals across all communities and cultures. 

Keep reading to learn more about the importance of this dynamic discipline and the skillsets you can expect to achieve in this field of study! 

What is social studies? 

Social studies is a discipline that is significant in the different branches of study that deal with how individuals in society live and work together. The discipline has no limit and includes the following core fields – 

• Civics 
• Psychology 
• Geography 
• Economics 
• History 

Learning social studies can be fundamental in allowing you to have a deeper viewpoint on global citizenship. Academic effort in this field also enables the importance of learning about political beliefs, geography, and cultural divergence. 

Social studies also play a fundamental role in allowing younger citizens to contribute positively to society and engage in democratic discourse. 

This is a subject in the academic curriculum from middle school, allowing early exposure to cultures. 

What does a social scientist do? 

A social scientist is a professional who practices social studies as a career.

Social scientists need to thoroughly understand all aspects of society. These include past achievements and events in human behavior and the relationships across different groups. 

Social scientists also conduct a significant amount of research that provides global insights into the following – 

• The different ways in which groups function 
• How established institutions make decisions 
• Authorities that exercise power 
• How society collectively adapts and responds to change 

Through their analyses and studies, social scientists work to provide deep insights into the physical, social, and overall cultural development of human beings. As a field, social studies also helps establish a link between human activity and the global environment. 

What skills should a social scientist have? 

The National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) has stated that – 

“The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.” 

To meet this goal, a social scientist needs to have the relevant skills that are essential to the industry. 

These include – 

Critical analysis skills 

A social scientist needs to recognize the key differences between primary and secondary sources as evidence. Therefore, an important skill in ‌social studies is the ability to thoroughly evaluate sources. 

In most cases, a social scientist has a strong foundation in data science, as this contributes to the relevant research skills that the industry demands. 

Curiosity 

In a world where endless amounts of information are available at your fingertips, social studies demand professionals who ask the right questions. Therefore, social scientists should be able to observe the world around them and reframe questions. These reframed questions open several opportunities for innovation. 

Teamwork 

Finally, one of the most important skills for social scientists is the ability to work with other people and achieve group objectives. Social studies require that professionals are aware of other individuals’ reactions and can understand the potential causes behind their behavior. 

These scientists should also be able to change their behavior towards actions of others and persuade groups to approach established objectives differently. 

Subjects that include in a social studies course

A course in social sciences encompasses a broad range of subjects. You will be trained in each of these disciplines, allowing you to choose a specialization most suited to your interests for your postgraduate study.

The different subjects that comprise social studies include – 

Archaeology 

Archaeology is the study of humanity through the material remains of early life and past eras. As a subject, archaeologists explore past cultures. This field of study, however, relies heavily on evidence from material remains. 

Anthropology 

Anthropology is also well-known as the ‘science of humanity’. This subject explores a wide range of topics that relate to the human experience in social studies. The topics include cultural relations, human behavior, and the influence of societal structures. 

History 

History is one of the broader social studies subjects that involved studying particular periods in the past. As a part of this course, you will be trained in interpreting sources, looking at and altering the current theories of the past, and assessing ideas based on available evidence. 

Geography 

It analyses population, land, and the fundamental relationship between these two. Geography is also a social studies subject that is closely linked to the earth sciences. 

Law 

Law is a crucial subject covered in social studies curricula. Studying law allows you to understand how established rules and regulations impact human behavior. 

Economics 

Finally, economics is one of the core subjects ‌you will be introduced to in social studies courses. This is a discipline that understands the production, distribution, and consumption of different goods and service. Theoretically and practically, you can apply this knowledge if you are interested in the current economic state of affairs. 

Key takeaways 

• Social studies is a field that understands and explores the relationship between individuals, groups, and establishments. 
• Studying this subject is fundamental in allowing you to connect and interact with individuals across a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. 
• Its also promote the development of global citizenship responsibilities and values that can contribute positively to society in the long run. 
• The different subjects that comprise social studies courses ‌provide you with all-rounded knowledge of the disciplines within the field. 

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FAQs

Q1. What are the most popular social science occupations? 

Answer – The most popular social science occupations include historians, geographers, archaeologists, and anthropologists. 

Q2. Are map skills essential for a career in social studies? 

Answer – Yes, map skills are crucial for a career in social studies. As a social scientist, you should be able to understand the type of map you are looking at. You are also expected to use map conventions, such as keys, orientation, and scale. 

Q3. Will I be trained in sociology and psychology as part of a social sciences course?

Answer – Yes, sociology and psychology are among the most common subjects covered in social sciences courses.