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The Origins of American Social Science facts for kids

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The Origins of American Social Science
Author Dorothy Ross
Subject History of social science
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Publication date
1991
Pages 508

The Origins of American Social Science is a book written in 1991 by Dorothy Ross. It explores the early story of social science in the United States.

What is Social Science?

Social science is a big group of subjects that study human society. It looks at how people behave and interact. Think of it as trying to understand the world we live in.

Why Do We Study Social Science?

People study social science to learn about human relationships. They want to understand how societies work. This helps us make better decisions for our communities.

Different Kinds of Social Science

There are many different types of social science. Some common ones include:

  • Sociology: This studies how groups of people live together. It looks at families, communities, and cultures.
  • Economics: This focuses on how people make, share, and use money and goods. It helps us understand markets and jobs.
  • Political Science: This explores how governments work. It also looks at how people make decisions together.
  • Psychology: This studies the human mind and behavior. It helps us understand why people think and act certain ways.
  • Anthropology: This looks at human history and culture. It often compares different societies around the world.

How Did Social Science Start in America?

Dorothy Ross's book talks about how social science began in the United States. In the beginning, these studies were not always separate subjects. They often mixed with other areas like history or philosophy.

Early Ideas and Goals

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, people started to think more scientifically about society. They wanted to use facts and research to solve problems. These problems included poverty, crime, and how cities grew.

Building New Fields of Study

Over time, these different areas of study became more organized. Universities started offering courses in sociology and economics. New groups were formed for scholars to share their ideas. This helped social science become a real field of study in America.

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