Social science facts for kids
The social sciences are a group of school subjects that study people and how they live. These subjects look at different parts of human life. They explore how people act, how societies work, and how we understand the world around us.
Social sciences include subjects like anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. These fields use scientific ways to study human behavior. They are different from arts or humanities because they often use a scientific method. This means they use careful research to find answers.
Many social sciences involve a lot of research. This can include doing surveys or observing groups of people. This type of study is often called "social research." Some subjects, like history, can be seen as both a social science and a humanities subject.
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What Are Social Sciences?
Social sciences are all about understanding humans. They study how we think, how we behave, and how we organize our lives. These subjects help us learn about our past, present, and future. They look at everything from how people make decisions to how countries are governed.
Studying Human Life
These subjects explore many parts of human life. They look at our cultures, our economies, and our governments. They also study how our minds work and how we interact with each other. By studying these things, we can better understand ourselves and the world.
Using Scientific Methods
Social scientists use methods similar to those in natural sciences. They collect facts, analyze data, and test ideas. This helps them find reliable answers to questions about human society. For example, they might use surveys to gather information from many people.
Different Kinds of Social Sciences
There are many different types of social sciences. Each one focuses on a special part of human life. Here are some of the main ones:
- Anthropology: This is the study of human cultures. It looks at how different groups of people live. Anthropologists study traditions, beliefs, and social structures.
- Archaeology: This subject studies human history through old objects. Archaeologists dig up and analyze things people left behind. This helps us learn about ancient civilizations.
- Economics: This field looks at how people use resources. It studies how goods and services are made, shared, and used. Economics helps us understand money, jobs, and trade.
- Geography: This is the study of Earth's surface and its people. Geographers look at how humans interact with their environment. They also study how places are organized and connected.
- Political Science: This subject studies governments and how power works. Political scientists look at laws, elections, and international relations. They help us understand how societies are ruled.
- Psychology: This field studies the human mind and behavior. Psychologists try to understand why people think and act the way they do. They explore emotions, learning, and personality.
- Sociology: This is the study of human societies and social groups. Sociologists look at how people live together. They study families, communities, and social problems.
How Social Sciences Started
The idea of "social sciences" has been around for over 200 years. It became popular thanks to a thinker named Auguste Comte. He believed that society could be studied scientifically.
Many of these fields grew over time. In America, a lot of social science ideas came from universities. Places like the University of Chicago helped develop how we study human society today.
Images for kids
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Early censuses and surveys provided demographic data.
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Buyers bargain for good prices while sellers put forth their best front in Chichicastenango Market, Guatemala.
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A depiction of world's oldest university, the University of Bologna, in Italy
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A trial at a criminal court, the Old Bailey in London
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Ferdinand de Saussure, recognized as the father of modern linguistics
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Wilhelm Maximilian Wundt was the founder of experimental psychology.
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Émile Durkheim is considered one of the founding fathers of sociology.
See also
In Spanish: Ciencias sociales para niños
