LESSON 1 : SOCIAL SCIENCE AND APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCE

 

Social Science and Applied Social Science

Social Science

            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 the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society. Distinct disciplines or branches are dealing with a particular phase or aspect of human society.

Branches of Social Science

·         Anthropology

·         Geography

·         Economics

·         History

·         Psychology

·         Sociology

·         Linguistics

·         Demography

·     Political Science                                                                                                                                                                   

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. Applied social science, therefore, is a broad field that draws on different social theories and perspectives and combines theory and practice drawn from different social disciplines that highlight the complexity of social issues.

Branches of Applied Social Science

·         Counseling

·         Social Work

·         Communication

Relationship between Social Sciences and Applied Social Sciences

As discussed above, social sciences are more specific and focused on a distinct facet of a social phenomenon while applied social science attempts to focus on a distinct issue but uses 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.

Functions and Effects of Applied Social Sciences

Social sciences are described as generators of knowledge about the social world to cause understanding. Applied social sciences 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. Therefore, 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 sciences 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 m problems of society.

·   Communication provides access to information and thereby serves the rights of an individual and the public to be informed and to be heard by their elders and communities. 

·   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. 

·   social work promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships, and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance their holistic well-being.

Reference:

https://humss.net/introduction-to-the-disciplines-of-applied-social-sciences/