Social sciences – which cover sociology, anthropology, psychology, and political science – dive into what makes us tick as humans. It explores how we interact with each other and how our societies and communities are built. This article not only asks what is social science, but explores why pursuing a solid qualification in this field, like a Bachelor of Social Science, can lead to personal growth, unlocking a deep and enriching understanding of the world around us and making things better for society.
The scope and relevance of social sciences
Social sciences are academic fields that unpack how humans act, how societies work and how people connect with their surroundings. Sociology looks at social structures, anthropology digs into different cultures, psychology focuses on how individuals and groups behave and political science focuses on how power and governance play out. The impact of social sciences on society is immense and in our increasingly globalised world, their importance is greater than ever. As societies become more complex and intertwined, it’s crucial to understand cultural differences, social challenges and what drives human actions. Social sciences are key to tackling issues like inequality, migration, climate change and political unrest. The importance of social sciences in education is also significant because they help students grasp the intricacies of human behaviour and society.
Understanding human behaviour and society
The roles of sociology and psychology in society are essential for understanding human behaviour, social interactions and the complexities of cultural dynamics. They employ a mix of research techniques and theoretical approaches to unearth how people think, feel and act in various situations. The theories from social sciences shed light on how we engage with each other and the norms that shape our society. Here are examples:
- Groupthink: this happens when people in a group go along with the majority opinion without really thinking it through. This lack of diversity in thinking can lead to bad decisions in workplaces in particular. During a team meeting, someone might hold back their doubts about a plan just to keep the peace, which can lead to poor results. Recognising this can help teams create a safe space where different opinions are welcomed, leading to better choices.
- Cognitive dissonance: it’s that uncomfortable feeling you get when you hold two conflicting beliefs. If someone values their health but smokes, they might feel uneasy about their choices. This tension can push people to change their behaviour or beliefs to feel more aligned with their values.
The impact on public policy and governance
Social sciences in policy making is vital. They offer solid research, useful theories, and a strong focus on people’s behaviour choices. Fields like sociology, political science and economics help social scientists tackle tricky social problems, guiding policymakers to create fair and effective solutions. Some recent case studies:
- Sociological research has been key in developing initiatives like the Paris Agreement, which pushes nations to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, studies on how communities behave and engage have sparked grassroots movements that promote sustainable practices, making a real impact on local and national policies.
- Social science research has played a huge role in shaping land reform policies in South Africa. Sociologists and economists have shed light on the unequal distribution of land and the social and economic fallout from land dispossession. This led to the creation of the Land Restitution Act in 1994, which enables people and communities who lost their land during apartheid to seek compensation.
Cultural understanding and global awareness
One of the benefits of studying social sciences is improving your own cultural sensitivity and global awareness, which are fundamental in our diverse world today. By exploring fields like anthropology and sociology, you learn about the differing beliefs, practices and values of various cultures. This helps develop empathy and respect for a range of viewpoints. This knowledge is key for handling cultural challenges in both your personal life and career. It also gives you a better grasp of global issues like globalisation, migration and human rights.
Addressing social issues
Social scientists are essential to tackling social issues like inequality, poverty and discrimination. In South Africa, their research has sparked major changes in society. For instance, studies on how apartheid caused huge economic gaps have helped shape policies focused on land reform and redistributing wealth. Research into gender-based violence has powered movements pushing for women's rights, leading to the creation of national strategies to fight gender-based violence and child abuse.
Career opportunities
Social science graduates have many exciting and rewarding career options to explore. They can go the academic route as researchers or lecturers or get involved with NGOs that focus on social justice and community development. There are also plenty of opportunities in the public sector, especially in policy analysis and public administration. The private sector is calling too, with jobs in human resources, market research and corporate social responsibility. The skills picked up during social science studies, like critical thinking, analytical skills and strong communication, are valuable and in high demand, making it easier to adapt to different work environments.
Personal growth and critical thinking
An education in social sciences boosts critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical skills. It pushes you to look at complicated social issues from different angles and explore what drives human behaviour. This way of thinking sharpens your ability to evaluate information from different sources and helps you grow personally by enhancing your communication skills and building empathy for various perspectives.
Studying social sciences gives people the tools and confidence to tackle complex social issues and make a positive impact in communities – and countries. It offers an incredible opportunity to gain valuable knowledge to make meaningful contributions and spark real change.
About The IIE’s Varsity College
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) of which Varsity College is a brand, is South Africa’s largest registered and accredited private provider of higher education. At Varsity College we understand that no two students are the same or learn the same. That’s why we make sure a student’s education is shaped around them; how they like to learn, what they are passionate about, what makes them tick, and what makes them thrive. Our Education by Design approach allows students to grow into their best, and creates a space where they can live, learn and play – their way.