Social science is the scientific study of human societies and the relationship of people living within these societies. So essentially, a social science degree teaches you about the functions and institutions of communities and their influence on people.
Studies have shown that social science graduates learn various transferrable skills in a range of careers. They empower individuals to observe and critically analyze problems and find solutions. They then learn the skills to communicate their findings to other people effectively.
Most of the data social sciences students work with is qualitative, which gives them better analytical skills. These skills are instrumental in a wide range of different careers.
But a social sciences degree is not all about the skills a student can learn. Social sciences knowledge spans over different sciences such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, criminology, etc.
Social science is about learning how individuals, family units, communities, and even nations interact with each other and the politics that go on between them. The whole purpose of education and careers in social science is to improve society’s social and economic conditions. Some reasons why degrees in social sciences are gaining popularity include:
1. They help change the world for the better
Social scientists have always played an essential role in providing philosophies and theories about how societies should function or reform to perform best. So when you feel that there is a need to make this world a better place for everyone, social sciences can help you achieve that goal.
They develop strategies, plans, and programs to help the economy grow. By getting relevant qualifications and working in a related field, you can positively influence society.
For example, acquiring a masters of social work online will add to your existing knowledge and skill set. It will enable you to be more philanthropic in your current line of work. It will prepare you to organize and help people in need. You can either work to protect and serve communities, fight for their rights, and help them achieve an improved quality of life.
2. They help us imagine alternative futures
As social science focuses on human beings and society, naturally, social scientists play an essential role in developing communities. It is safe to say that social science is responsible for shaping the future of our world. It helps us understand the application and consequences of different technologies in our daily lives, determining all aspects such as benefits and disadvantages.
Social sciences also show us the range of issues prevalent in developing countries. These issues can be ethical, social, or even legal. After all, the law regulates society, and social science plays a vital role in law-making procedures.
3. Improve education systems
Of course, all societies need to learned intellectuals and scientists amidst them so that they can progress. And the state makes a lot of effort to do what is best for student bodies. More focus is often shifted on the outcomes societies desire rather than what the learner wants.
The stem vs steam debate is a prime example of this dilemma. Governments tend to focus mostly on technological and scientific learning without realizing that art is just as essential to sustain a society and maintain its unique identity.
Social science can help reform the educational methods to suit the learners rather than educators to be more inclusive. It is crucial for every intellectual and scientist that an educational system produces to understand the complexity of the technological world and human relations.
4. They can make the world a safer place
People commonly believe that there is no way to reduce crime. The ratio simply transfers from one place to another. But that is wrong. As we mentioned above, social sciences include areas of study such as criminology and psychology. They play an important role in preventing and reducing crime in society.
Social scientists can understand criminal behavior. They identify the motives and patterns of crime and create programs to eradicate the problem from its roots. This way, societies experience a crime reduction. Additionally, they identify social, cultural, and economic reasons behind the increased crime and assist in developing and implementing effective countermeasures.
5. So many career options!
Probably the most significant factor that makes social sciences degrees so attractive to students is the wide range of career options available. Social sciences is an umbrella science, under which thrive several branched areas of study.
These include politics, criminology, anthropology, sociology, psychology, finance, law, economic, etc. All the aspects that affect human life and society come under social sciences in one way or another. And it comes as no surprise there are so many career options available. Social science gives the students room to explore their interests and satiate their curiosity about how human society flourishes.
Conclusion
Human beings are naturally attracted to and fascinated with other human beings. There’s no rocket science in this! We want to understand each other and the reason we do the things we do. We want to understand what makes a society so great. Or bad, so that we can fix it. Studying social sciences helps us find answers to all these questions.
Students learn about the people around them, different societies and nations, and even themselves. It helps them understand everyday and global problems and enables them to devise adequate solutions. Thus, it is no wonder that social sciences degrees are such a ‘hit’ among students striving to make the world a better place every day.
