Social Science

Social science is the study of human behavior, relationships, and institutions. It explains how individuals interact within societies and how societies develop, organize, and change. Insights from social science inform public policy, education, urban planning, and business decisions such as marketing and product design.

Key takeaways
Social science covers fields that examine human behavior and social systems, most commonly anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
 Research methods range from qualitative interpretation to quantitative analysis; both are used to study complex social phenomena.
Careers for social science graduates span government, education, research, business, law, and social services.
 Labor demand is steady for many social science–related roles; economists and social workers are among the occupations with notable projected growth.

Major branches

Anthropology
Focuses on the origins, development, and cultural variation of humans.
 Uses fieldwork and ethnography to study cultural practices, kinship, language, and material culture.

Economics
Studies production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
 Historical schools include mercantilism and classical economics (e.g., Adam Smith), with later critiques and developments from Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes.
* Modern economics includes macroeconomics, microeconomics, and applied areas such as behavioral economics and economic forecasting.

Political science
Examines governments, political institutions, public policy, and political behavior.
 Roots in ancient political thought (Plato, Aristotle) and developed through systematic study by later theorists and social scientists.

Psychology
Investigates mental processes, behavior, and mental health.
 Evolved from 19th-century medical and philosophical roots into diverse subfields (clinical, cognitive, social, neuropsychology) and treatment approaches (therapy, pharmacology, neuroscience).

Sociology
Analyzes social structures, institutions, and group behavior.
 Emerged during rapid social change in the 19th century to address questions of social stability, inequality, and urbanization.

Related fields sometimes grouped with social science include history, geography, law, criminology, and demography.

Methods and approaches

  • Qualitative methods: interviews, ethnography, participant observation, case studies—emphasize meaning and context.
  • Quantitative methods: surveys, experiments, statistical modeling—emphasize measurement and generalization.
  • Mixed-methods research combines both to capture complex social realities.

Education and training

  • Social science education typically begins in primary and secondary school and becomes more specialized at the university level.
  • Undergraduate degrees provide foundational knowledge; master’s and doctoral programs enable deeper specialization and research careers.
  • Certain careers (clinical psychology, licensed social work) require additional professional training, certifications, or licensure.

Careers and labor outlook

Common roles for social science graduates:
Economist, policy analyst, market researcher
 Social worker, counselor, community organizer
Teacher, sociologist, anthropologist, political analyst
 Researcher, consultant, public affairs specialist, lawyer

Labor highlights (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics):
Economists: projected growth around 6% for 2022–2032; median pay approximately $115,730 (May 2023).
 Social workers: projected growth around 7% for 2022–2032; median pay approximately $58,380 (May 2023).

Skills valued by employers include data analysis, critical thinking, communication, research design, and familiarity with statistical and qualitative software.

Why social science matters

  • Helps explain and predict human behavior and social trends.
  • Informs policy, improves service design, and supports interventions that address social problems (health, education, inequality).
  • Guides businesses in understanding consumers and shaping effective marketing and organizational strategies.

Becoming a social scientist

  1. Choose a discipline based on interests (e.g., economics for markets, sociology for institutions, psychology for individual behavior).
  2. Earn a bachelor’s degree in that field or a related social science.
  3. Pursue advanced degrees (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.) for research, academic, or high-level policy roles.
  4. Complete required internships, licensure, or certification for applied professions (e.g., clinical psychology, social work).

Bottom line

Social science provides the tools to study human behavior and societal systems, offering insights that improve governance, business, education, and community life. Its methods combine qualitative and quantitative techniques to address real-world problems and shape decisions that affect daily life.