Social Science: Meaning, Branches, Resources

Social Science is a broad field of study that covers a wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. Social Scientists study the social and cultural aspects of human life, including our relationships with each other, our institutions, and our environment.

Social Science is important because it helps us to understand the social experience. By studying social and cultural phenomena, we can learn more about ourselves, our relationships with society, and the world around us. Social Science research is used to inform a wide range of decisions, including public policy, business strategy, and social program development.

Branches of Social Science

Social scientists study a wide range of topics, including:

• Anthropology: The study of human societies and cultures, past and present.
• Economics: The study of how people produce, distribute, and consume goods and services.
• Geography: The study of the Earth’s surface, as well as the distribution of natural resources and the effects of human activity on the environment.
• History: The study of past events and their impact on the present.
• Political science: The study of government and politics, including the institutions, processes, and behaviors associated with political power and authority.
• Psychology: The study of human behavior and mental processes.
• Sociology: The study of human social behavior, especially the groups and institutions that shape it.

Divisions of Social Science

There are mainly four branches of Social Science mentioned below.

School Social Science

Below are the subject wise resources for School Social Science.

History

• Chola Dynasty
• Delhi Sultanate
• Mughal Empire
• Revolt of 1857
• Ahom Dynasty
• The Idea of Satyagraha
• French Revolution
• Subsidiary Alliance
• B.R. Ambedkar and his Contributions
• Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)
• Doctrine of Lapse
• Nationalism in India
• Rise of Nationalism in Europe
• Iron and Steel Industry in India
• Akbar Biography

Political Science

• Secularism in India
• Constitution of India
• National Political Parties
• President of India
• Levels of Governance in India
• Election System in India
• Political Executive
• Role of Judiciary in India
• Women Empowerment
• Political Parties
• Powers and Functions of Supreme Court
• Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
• Bhopal Gas Tragedy
• Challenges to Democracy
• Federalism

Geography

• What is Biosphere?
• Natural Resources
• Principles of Sustainable Development
• Land Utilization and Land Use Pattern in India
• Role of Agriculture in Indian Economy
• Types Of Resources
• Flora and Fauna
• Natural Vegetation in India
• Importance of Manufacturing Industries
• Climate of India
• Soil Formation
• Rainfall in India
• Types of Minerals
• Classification of Industries
• Landforms on Earth

Economics

• Sectors of Indian Economy
• Cooperative Societies in India
• Food Security in India
• Unemployment in India
• Poverty
• Role of Banks
• Barter System
• Why Ration Shops are Necessary?
• Consumer Rights
• Roles and Responsibilities of Government
• Impact of Globalization on India
• Anti-Poverty Measures
• NABARD
• Public Facilities
• Money and Credit

SSC for Government Exams

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) covers a broad range of topics from history, geography, civics, and economics. The aim of the SSC section is to assess the candidate’s general knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

History

• Nagara Style of Temples
• Industrial Revolution in Britain: Causes and Effects
• Types of Taxes of Delhi Sultanate
• Important Battles of Modern Indian History
• Important Battles of Babar, Humayun and Akbar Rule
• List of the Important Taxes in Ancient Indian History
• List of Important Modern Indian History Books and their Writer
• Who was Birsa Munda and his contribution to Indian history?
• Prehistoric Age Of India (Part-I)
• Source Of Ancient Indian History
• Harappan Civilization
• GK Questions on Sayyid Dynasty
• Important Inscriptions of Ancient Indian History
• Coins in Ancient Indian History

Polity

• Role of Trade Union in India
• Challenges and Reforms of Public Distribution System
• List of Important Commissions in India
• List of Important Committees in India
• 24th (Twenty Fourth Amendment Act), 1971 – Indian Constitution
• List of Lok Sabha Speakers (1952-2023)
• List of PM of India (1947-2023)
• List of President of India (1950-2022)
• Why Fundamental Duties Are Not Enforceable By Law?
• Government of India Act 1935
• Election Of President In India
• The State Legislature
• Fundamental Duties – Article 51A
• Finance Commission Of India
• Chief Election Commissioners of India (1950-2022)

Geography

• States and Capitals in India
• The Important Factors which Affect the Wind
• MCQ on Forest and Wildlife in India
• Asian Countries with their Currencies
• Asian Countries with their Capitals
• African Countries with their Capitals
• List of Major Indian Seaports
• Important Canals of the World
• List of Important Ancient Indian History Ports
• Types Of Ecosystem
• Three Types of Rock – Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks
• European Countries with their Currencies
• Oceania Countries with their Capitals

Finance and Economics

• Characteristics of Monopolistic Competition
• Laws of Production
• Income & Cross Elasticity of Demand
• Different Branches of Economics
• Important Features of Indian Economy
• Production Possibilities Curve (PPC) in Economics
• FDI Limits in Various Sectors in India
• Methods of Economic Analysis
• The Scope and Nature of Economics
• Balance Sheet: Meaning, Format, Need and Objectives
• Indian Financial System – Overview and Components
• Rectification of Errors – Definition, Types & Examples
• MANUFACTURING ACCOUNT
• PROFIT AND LOSS APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT

UPSC

Social science is an important part of the UPSC syllabus, as it covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to the work of an IAS officer. These topics include:

History

• Swami Dayanand Saraswati
• Economic Life of Harappan Civilization
• Important Leaders Associated With The Revolt Of 1857
• Ramakrishna Mission – Role of Swami Vivekananda in Social Reform
• French Revolution [1789-1799]
• Economic Policies of the British in India
• Russian Revolution: Cause, History, Timeline, Bolsheviks
• Role of Several Foreigners in Indian Freedom Struggle
• Role of Mahatma Gandhi in National Movement
• Relevance of Gandhian Principles or Philosophy in the 21st Century
• Distinct Between Indus Valley Civilization and its Contemporary Civilization
• Causes of Failure of 1857 Revolt
• Modern Indian History Notes For UPSC

Political Science

• NCERT Indian Polity Notes for UPSC Exam 2024
• Role and Functions of NGOs
• Role of Caste in Indian Politics
• Philosophy of the Indian Constitution
• E-Governance: Challenges and Advantages
• Challenges in Indian Education System
• Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013 – Features, Powers and Functions
• Discretionary Powers of President of India
• Role of Regional Parties in India
• Roles and Functions of Local Government
• Federal Features of Indian Constitution – Federalism in India
• What are the Major Functions of a Gram Panchayat?
• Communism vs Fascism
• Judicial System: Challenges and Reform
• Election Deposit Rule in India
• Types of Jurisdiction of Supreme Court

Geography

• Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World (2023)
• Geography Notes For UPSC Exam 2024
• Limitations of Fundamental Rights
• Cloudburst – Definition, Impacts and Prevention
• What is Migration? Types, and Causes
• Constitutional Provisions for Protection of Environment
• Importance of Water Conservation and Management
• Issues Related to Urbanization in India
• Salinity of Ocean Water 
• Government Steps to Control Floods and Droughts
• Conventional Energy Sources
• Political Map of India
• Top 10 Largest Cities in the World

Economics

• Objectives And Principles Of Taxation
• Indian Financial System
• New Industrial Policy 1991
• Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India
• Strategies to Improve Health Facility in India
• Non-Farming Production Activities and Their Impact on Economy
• Pros and Cons of Globalization
• 4 Major Sectors of an Economy
• Role of Service Sector in Indian Economy
• Role of Trade Union in India
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
• The National Cyber Security Policy, 2013
• Wardha Scheme of Basic Education 1937

Multiple Answer Questions

Here are some multiple-answer questions (MAQs) related to different branches of social science:

History

• What are the Contributions of Jyotiba Rao Phule to Indian Society?
• Write a short note on Nalanda University
• Development in India After Independence
• B.R.Ambedkar and his Contribution
• Quit India Movement – History, Causes, Phases, Importance
• Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)
• Civil Disobedience Movement
• Salient Features of Indian Constitution
• What was the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Champaran Movement?
• Write a short note on Tipu Sultan
• Nationalism in India – CBSE Class 10 History Notes Chapter 2
• Doctrine of Lapse – Definition, History, Objective, Impacts

Political Science

• Political Parties : Functions, Importance and Party System
• Powers and Functions of Supreme Court
• Why is Judicial Independence Important?
• What is the need for Political Institutions?
• Difference between Political and Permanent Executive
• What are the three levels of governance in India?
• What are the functions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
• What are the challenges to Cultural Diversity?
• What is the importance of preamble in the constitution?
• What is Role Conflict and Why does it occur?
• Describe the Rules and Regulations regarding Election Campaign in India
• What is the difference between Prudential and Moral Power Sharing?
• What makes Elections in India Democratic?
• What is significance of the phrase “We the people of India” in the Preamble?

Geography

• Differentiate between the farms in India and the USA
• What are the Relief Features of India?
• Cloudburst – Definition, Impacts and Prevention
• Why are Rivers important for the Country’s Economy?
• Difference between Flora and Fauna
• What are the features of public sector enterprises?
• Which states of India have Oil-fields?
• What is the meaning and importance of traffic signal lights?
• Road Transport – Definition, Types, Examples
• Disaster Management, Types, Cycle [ Projects for Class 9, 10 ]
• Environmental Pollution Essay
• Physical Features of India
• What is Biosphere?

Economics

• What are the measures taken by India to reduce Poverty?
• What is the role of MNC’s in Globalization Process?
• What is Educated Unemployment and reasons for it’s prevalence in India?
• Explain the various causes of unemployment in India
• Difference between Developed and Underdeveloped Economy
• Describe the Impact of Globalisation on Indian Economy
• What are the functions of NABARD?
• What is Barter System? Definition, Examples, Benefits, Limits
• Analyse the Functions of Consumer Protection Council
• Do you think the Classification of Economic Activities into Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary is useful? Explain how.
• How is the Tertiary Sector different from other Sectors?
• What is Minimum Support Price?
• What are the components of the money supply?
• What is the role of consumers in the market-place?
• What are the advantages of globalisation in India?
• What are Consumer Forums and what is their importance?

Careers in Social Science

There are many different career opportunities available to social science graduates. Social scientists may work in academia, government, business, or non-profit organizations. Some common job titles for social science graduates include:

• Anthropologist
• Economist
• Geographer
• Historian
• Political scientist
• Psychologist
• Sociologist
• Social worker
• Policy analyst
• Program manager
• Researcher
• Consultant

The Future of Social Science

Social Sciences is a ever-evolving field of study. As the world changes, social scientists are constantly adapting their research methods and theories to keep up with the changing times. In the future, social scientists will continue to play an important role in understanding and addressing the challenges facing our world.

Despite the challenges, the future of social science is bright. Social scientists are more connected than ever before, and there is a growing global community of scholars working together to address the challenges facing our world. Social science has the potential to make a real difference in the world, and it is an important field of study for anyone who wants to understand the human experience and make a positive impact on the world.

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Social Science – FAQs

What is Social Science?

Social Science is a field of study that explores human behavior, societies, and relationships using various disciplines like sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and more.

How do Social Scientists conduct research?

Social Scientists employ various methodologies such as surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, statistical analyses, and case studies to gather data and draw conclusions.

What role does Social Science play in society?

Social Science offers valuable insights into social problems, cultural differences, political dynamics, economic trends, and human behavior, which are essential for informed decision-making and societal progress.

What are some examples of Social Science theories?

Examples include social learning theory in psychology, Marxist theory in sociology, rational choice theory in economics, and democratic theory in political science, among others.

How does Social Science differ from natural sciences?

Social Science focuses on human behavior, societies, and cultures, while natural sciences study natural phenomena and the physical world using empirical and experimental methods.