Social Sciences
"Study of Society! How we interact, live together, and understand human behavior. Dito natin maiintindihan ang tao at lipunan!"
1. What are Social Sciences? 🌍
Social sciences are disciplines that study human society, relationships, and behavior. They use scientific methods to understand how people live together.
| Discipline | Focus | Key Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | Groups & Society | How do social structures affect us? |
| Psychology | Individual Mind & Behavior | Why do people think/act this way? |
| Anthropology | Culture & Human Origins | How did humans develop and adapt? |
| Economics | Resources & Production | How do we allocate scarce resources? |
| Political Science | Power & Government | How is power distributed and used? |
| History | Past Events | What happened and why does it matter? |
| Geography | Space & Place | How does location affect human life? |
Key Difference:
Natural Sciences study the physical world (biology, chemistry, physics), while Social Sciences study human society and behavior.
2. Sociology: The Study of Society 👥
Sociology examines how social structures, institutions, and relationships shape our lives.
Key Concepts
- Socialization: Learning norms & values
- Social Institutions: Family, education, religion, government
- Social Stratification: Class divisions (upper, middle, lower)
- Culture: Shared beliefs, customs, practices
- Deviance: Behavior outside norms
Major Theorists
- Émile Durkheim: Social facts, solidarity
- Max Weber: Bureaucracy, rationalization
- Karl Marx: Class conflict, capitalism critique
- Auguste Comte: "Father of Sociology"
Sociological Perspectives
Functionalism
Society is like a body - parts work together for stability.
Conflict Theory
Society is a competition for resources and power.
Symbolic Interactionism
Meaning is created through daily interactions.
3. Psychology: The Study of Mind & Behavior 🧠
Psychology studies mental processes and behavior - why people think, feel, and act the way they do.
| School of Thought | Focus | Key Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoanalysis | Unconscious mind, early experiences | Sigmund Freud |
| Behaviorism | Observable behavior, conditioning | B.F. Skinner, Watson |
| Humanistic | Self-actualization, growth | Maslow, Carl Rogers |
| Cognitive | Thought processes, memory | Jean Piaget |
| Biological | Brain, genetics, neuroscience | Various researchers |
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (Bottom to Top):
- Physiological: Food, water, shelter
- Safety: Security, stability
- Love/Belonging: Relationships, community
- Esteem: Respect, achievement
- Self-Actualization: Reaching full potential
4. Anthropology: The Study of Humanity 🦴
Anthropology studies human cultures, origins, and development across time and place.
Branches of Anthropology
- Cultural: Living cultures, ethnography
- Physical/Biological: Human evolution, genetics
- Archaeology: Past cultures through artifacts
- Linguistic: Language and communication
Key Concepts
- Ethnocentrism: Judging other cultures by your own
- Cultural Relativism: Understanding cultures on their own terms
- Participant Observation: Living with the group studied
- Ethnography: Detailed cultural description
Philippines Context:
F. Landa Jocano and E. Arsenio Manuel are notable Filipino anthropologists who studied Philippine folk culture and traditions.
5. Research Methods in Social Sciences 📊
Social scientists use systematic methods to gather and analyze data about human behavior.
| Method | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Survey | Questionnaires to large groups | Census, opinion polls |
| Interview | In-depth questions (structured/unstructured) | Life history interviews |
| Observation | Watching behavior (participant/non-participant) | Classroom behavior study |
| Experiment | Testing cause and effect (control/experimental) | Milgram obedience study |
| Case Study | In-depth analysis of one subject | Analysis of a community |
| Content Analysis | Analyzing texts, media | Studying news coverage |
Quantitative Research
- Numbers and statistics
- Large samples
- Surveys, experiments
- "How many?" "How much?"
Qualitative Research
- Words and descriptions
- Smaller, in-depth samples
- Interviews, ethnography
- "Why?" "How?"
6. Social Issues in the Philippines 🇵🇭
Understanding social sciences helps us analyze real-world issues affecting Filipino society.
Key Social Issues
- Poverty: Income inequality, urban-rural divide
- Education: Access, quality, dropout rates
- Migration: OFWs, brain drain
- Health: Public health, mental health stigma
- Environment: Climate change, deforestation
Filipino Social Values
- Pakikisama: Getting along, harmony
- Utang na loob: Debt of gratitude
- Hiya: Shame, propriety
- Bayanihan: Community spirit, helping
- Close family ties: Extended family support
Social Science Application:
Social scientists help policymakers understand issues like poverty cycles, educational gaps, and cultural factors to create better programs and policies.
7. Practice Questions & Exam Tips 📝
Test Your Knowledge:
1. Which social science discipline focuses on groups and social structures?
Show Answer
Sociology - It studies how social structures, institutions, and groups affect individuals.
2. Who is known as the "Father of Sociology"?
Show Answer
Auguste Comte - He coined the term "sociology" and applied scientific methods to study society.
3. What is ethnocentrism?
Show Answer
Judging other cultures based on the standards of your own culture. The opposite is cultural relativism.
4. What is at the top of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?
Show Answer
Self-Actualization - Reaching one's full potential. Bottom is Physiological needs.
5. Which research method uses numbers and statistics?
Show Answer
Quantitative research - Uses numerical data. Qualitative uses words and descriptions.
Exam Tips!
- ✓ 7 Disciplines: Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, History, Geography
- ✓ 3 Sociological Perspectives: Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism
- ✓ Maslow's Hierarchy: Physiological → Safety → Love → Esteem → Self-Actualization
- ✓ Quanti vs Quali: Numbers vs. Words/Descriptions
- ✓ Filipino values: Pakikisama, Utang na loob, Hiya, Bayanihan
Test Your Knowledge! 🧠
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