Social Science In Understanding Our Lives

Social sciences refer to an academic discipline category which is dedicated to examining society. (Browne, 2011 p.2). Social science often studies how people behave, interact with each other, influence the word and develop. This category of science, just like the biological and physical sciences are directed primarily toward understanding, other than taking action. Moreover, Social sciences have assisted in explaining how society works (Riecken, 1969 p.2-3). It explores every element of the society starting from causes of unemployment and economic growth to what makes people happy, shapes government policies and corporate strategies (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019). Some of the fields of social science include anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, and social psychology (McLean, 2018). This means this category of studies creates better evidence-based foundation for determining the political as well as social world. Studies also suggest that beyond understandings our world and its institutions, and social and political systems, this category of science assists people to better understand how to engage with these systems both for their own and society's benefit (Riecken, 1969 p.5). This, therefore, makes me conclude that this field can help us to better understand lives in society. This paper discusses the contribution of social science in understanding our health and wellbeing as well as education in society.

Studies suggest that unlike natural sciences whose objective is to investigate the physical world in matters such as space travel, personal health, prevention of disease, social sciences often assist individuals to know how to interact socially- this includes how to develop networks, and promote democracy (Russell, 2013). Moreover, together with assisting society to engage and understand various institutions that shape their lives, social science also enables individuals to learn how to be citizens (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019). Besides, fields like political science provide a solid foundation for understanding the social and political platforms which shape our lives. This category of science also enlightens citizens on the effectiveness of public services, the role of active participation in public policy as well as the importance of engagement with local community and challenges which might arise in unorganized and unengaged citizens (Bajraktari, 2016 p.5-8).

To start with, social science helps in improving education and lives of children. Most governments and communities usually show that they are doing the best for children (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019). However, in most cases, reforms in the education system take place even without even considering the learners’ interests (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019). Moreover, in education several parents with young learners are usually mostly concerned about whether their young offspring enjoys studying. This indicates the importance of incorporating learners of all ages in education reforms to understand their schooling perspectives (McLaughlin et al., 2006 p.31). Research undertaken in the universities of Cambridge and Leeds revealed what creates an effective schooling (McLaughlin et al., 2006 p.37-38). The scholars suggested that, for effective schooling, curriculum stakeholders and all individuals concerned with education reform have to listen to learners, give them opportunities to give their views, and prepare all stakeholders to listen. Besides, this category of science help in solving the bigger problems which have been revealed to address the cost associated with the bigger issue. The bigger problem has multiple parts that are solved using various approaches, different experts and resources. For instance, in education rather than addressing the need for education, the bigger issue is how students are comfortable learning a certain curriculum and how the education system enhances their understanding (McLaughlin et al., 2006 p.34-35).

However, studies have revealed that the link between education and social science is very complicated (Ferris & Stein, 2014). The study also suggest that, educational platforms are governed by the political class and political agendas and not on long term policies. This indicates that educational theories rarely bring educational reform rather they support some educational reforms. This is from the fact that social science provides support on how teachers teach and how a school operates. From the ability to understand issues in society, social science is very critical in understanding children's education in society (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019).

Secondly, social science contributes to the understanding of our health and well‐being. Scientists such as public health experts and sociologists work hard to ensure that our social care, health, and leisure work to best effect (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019). For instance, studies have revealed that individual eating habit is influenced by several circumstances and that, some unhealthy choices may seem rational. Moreover, studies have suggested that social science theories and research are very critical in promoting the health of people and prevents disease in a population (McManus 2008 p.11). Application of social science theories and approaches have been revealed to prevent disability and disease in societies (McManus 2008 p.34). For instance, social science has been critical in tackling obesity across life courses. Obesity is a very complex health concern which involves ranges of cultural components, social and individual components. For instance, in many states to tackle this issue, there is a mix of preventive approaches such as increasing tax of soft drinks as well as curative measures such as weight management services ((McManus 2008 p.20-22 and Lewis et al., 2018 p.3-5). .However, social science assists in building behavioral insight into the design of these measures.

Some more specific social science fields such as anthropology which is the study of human society and cultures have made some critical contributions to public health (McManus et al., 2008 p.24). This has been achieved via the use of ethnography to create an understanding of adopting healthier practices and the spread of diseases, moreover, it contributes to scientific knowledge translation into effective practice at the society level. Besides, social science theories such as social comparison theory which suggest individuals are motivated to compare themselves with others while determining their attitudes, behaviors as well as opinions, and to adjust behaviour accordingly (McManus et al., 2008 p.30). This knowledge has created an understanding of how individuals promote health practices without being monitored. Furthermore, as per the social learning theory, individuals learn behaviors through observational learning which results in to change of behavior in individuals (McManus, 2008 p.30). This shows how much contribution social science has in understanding our lives and the lives of others in society.

In conclusion, social science refers to an academic discipline category which is dedicated to examining society. Social science often studies how people behave, interact with each other, influence the word and develop. Besides, Social sciences have assisted in explaining how society works. It explores every element of the society starting from causes of unemployment and economic growth to what makes people happy shapes government policies and corporate strategies. Social science has been proved to help people better understand their lives in society. This can be proved via education where, through social science, researchers have described effective education via research done on students other than educational stakeholders. Moreover, social science has been proven to promote health and wellbeing. Through various theories, this is achieved via observational learning and obtaining from what others have abandoned. Therefore, it is conclusive that, social science help understand society.

References

Bajraktari, E., 2016. Citizen engagement in public service delivery. The critical role of public officials. UNDP Global Centre for Public Service Excellence. P.5-8

Browne., 2011. An introduction to sociology. 4th edn. Cambridge: Polity p.2-6

Ferris, K. and Stein, J., 2014. The real world: An introduction to sociology. WW Norton, Incorporated.

Iain McLean., 20 Nov 2018. What is social science? The British Academy. Retrieved 22/1/2020. From:

Lewis, S., Holmes, S. and Morris, S., 2018. Obesity, healthy eating and physical activity in primary schools.

McLaughlin, C., McIntyre, D. and Black-Hawkins, C., 2006. Researching teachers, researching schools, researching networks: A review of the literature. University of Cambridge. Retrieved Aug.

McManus, J., Constable, M., Bunten, A. and Chadborn, T., 2008. Improving People’s Health: Applying Behavioural and Social Sciences to Improve Population Health and Wellbeing in England. London: Public Health England.

Palgrave Macmillan., 2019. Social Science Matters; Championing Original and Authorative Research retrieved 22/1/2020 from: https://www.palgrave.com/gp/campaigns/social-science-matters/10-reasons-for-social-science.

Riecken, H.W., 1969. Social science and contemporary social problems. Items, 23, pp.1-6.

Russell, L., 2013. Sociology for health professionals. SAGE.

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