Social Sciences: What are they and what are they for?

Imagine, my friend, that you are at a party. In one corner you have someone talking about the laws that govern human behavior (law, in terms of social science), on another side you have a person analyzing how each of us contributes to the economy and beyond that someone philosophizing about the ways of history. Do you see the picture? All that is part of what we call social sciences. And believe me, they're not just for coffee chats.

Social sciences are concerned with picking apart everything that involves being human in society. Throughout my life, it was my lot to see how these studies intersect with our daily lives, even though we often don't realize it. That's why today I'm here to give you a tour of what social sciences are, how they impact our lives and, while we're at it, to awaken in you that curiosity bug (or at least try).

What are Social Sciences?

Social sciences are a combination of disciplines that study human behavior, both individually and collectively. From how we organize ourselves into families, to how we structure governments and complex economies, everything has its place in this vast field of knowledge. The central idea here is to understand what we do, why we do it and how that affects societies and their structures.

There are many disciplines within the social sciences, including:

Sociology: focuses on social relations and how people interact in different contexts. From social movements to the simple fact of why we form communities, sociology covers a wide terrain.

Economics: the part of the social sciences that investigates how we distribute resources and how we behave economically, from the micro to the macro (that coffee you drink every morning also falls here).

Anthropology: here we talk about the evolution and cultural, physical and social characteristics of human beings throughout history. A journey that combines history, culture and even biology.

Political Science: studies the organization and exercise of power in societies. Politics is not just about voting every four years; it is about understanding how and why our collective decisions affect our daily lives.

Psychology: within the social sciences, psychology examines human minds and behaviors, both at the individual level and in interaction with others. This discipline has become very important in the modern world, helping us to understand everything from mental problems to mass behavior patterns.

These are just some of the main branches. The list goes on with disciplines such as human geography, law, education and communication, each with its own focus, but all with the same goal: to understand society.

The Importance of Social Science in Our Lives

Throughout history, the social sciences have played a crucial role in helping us understand and solve problems. Why do conflicts arise? What makes an economy grow or stagnate? Why are some societies more egalitarian than others? Questions of this kind are addressed by the social sciences, which, with their rigorous and meticulous approach, seek evidence-based answers.

For example, during economic crises, economics can help us find solutions that redistribute resources more equitably. Social psychology, on the other hand, has been essential for understanding phenomena such as conformity and resistance in pressure situations.

In short, without the social sciences, we would be somewhat adrift, knowing the what, but not the why. They enable us to make more informed decisions and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.

The Evolution of the Social Sciences

Although the study of society and human behavior can be traced back to the time of Plato and Aristotle, it was not until the 18th century that they emerged as an independent field of research. At that time, social and economic changes led thinkers to question how societies functioned and how they could be improved.

Since then, the social sciences have evolved and diversified their approaches. Today, sociology, anthropology and other branches rely on empirical research and scientific methods to explore human behavior in a more structured way.

Conclusion: Why We Need Social Sciences

In short, social sciences are an essential tool for understanding the world we live in. They teach us to question and understand the systems in which we are immersed, from our families to government to the economy. The social sciences are that lens through which we can see, with a little more clarity, the complexity of the human world.