Nature, Scope and Importance of Social Science. Pedagogy of Social Science.

1. Tarun Kumar Mevaliya
1) Nature, Scope & Importance of Social Science
2) Difference Between Social Science and Social Studies
B.Ed, JBT, D.El.Ed, CTET, UPTET, REET, all TETs,
DSSSB, KVS, NVS, and all other teaching exams.
3) Meanings and Definitions of Social Science.
Historical Background of
social Science

2. Historical Background of Social Science
The origin of social science goes back to 20th century. This
term was first used in the year 1916 in USA. As an
individual subject, it developed during 1916 to 1955 in
European countries. In India, we find the origin of this
subject in Zakir Hussain’s Committee Basis Education (1937)
which was started by Mahatma Gandhi but the subject
failed to develop during the British rule. After
Independence, Secondary Education Commission
recommended social science at school level. It was given
the status of compulsory subject at school level by Kothari
Commission.

3. Difference Between Social Science and Social Studies.
Social Science Social Studies
Social Sciences as a subject is taught at high school, higher
secondary stage and it is advanced study of society.
Social study is taught at Primary and middle classes. The nature
of study is basis as the topic are simple yet informative.
It represents and adult approach as the target learner is an
adult.
It represents a child centered approach and thus simple
subject-matter.
Cover a wide range of topics. Covers a limited area but the data collected is sufficient to
acquaint the students with his historical, political and physical
conditions of a country.
Emphasis is laid on knowledge. It covers the practical part of human affairs. Emphasis is laid on
functional part of knowledge.
Wide variety of subjects is covered under social sciences such
as political science, anthropology, Behavioural sciences,
sociology and psychology.
3-4 subjects are covered under this namely History, Civics,
Geography and Economics.
Aims at finding new truth about human and society and their
relationships.
Social Studies aim at teaching already discovered facts.

4. 3) Meanings and Definitions of Social Science.
According to J. Hammings – Social Sciences is the study of relations and inter-relations, historical, geographical and social.
According to Sec. Edu. Comm. Of the National Education Association (USA) –
Social Studies are understood to be those whose subject-matter relates directly to the organization and
development of human society and to man as a member of social group.
According to Jarotimek – Social studies is the study of human relationship.

5. Nature of Social Science
1) Concerned with society - knowledge of society
2) Compound rather than a Mixture – same types of elements
3) Prepares for practical life – river, water fall, snow, temperature etc.
4) Concerned with human welfare – agency’s contribution to human welfare
5) Develops the personality of the Students – intellectual dev, creative thinking,
truthfulness, honesty.
6) Studies the Relations and inter-relations of Human Beings – diff group, class,
institution, organizations etc.
7) Dynamic Subject – daily updates
8) Emphasis on Relation than Individual – focus on relations rather than individual
9) Prepares the Child for wholesome social living – social environment and
importance of it.

6. Scope of Social Science
1) Study of human Society –
2) Study of Human Relations –
3) Study of Inter-Relation of man with his physical Environment – how physical
environment influences man and a country.
4) Study of Culture –
5) Relation of Man with Institutions – Family pattern, caste system, religious, political,
panchayat, municipality, state govt, union govt, high court, supreme court. Etc.
6) Study of inter-relation between man and economy – helps in understanding the influence
of economy for a country.
7) Study of History -
8) Study of current Affairs –
9) Functional Study of Natural Sciences –
10) Functional Study of Fine Arts –
11) Developing national and international understanding – As Geneva Convention

7. Need and Importance of Social Science
1) Psychological reasons – Psychological prepares for cooperation
2) Educational Reasons – All round development social, political, emotional, cultural etc
3) Sociological Reasons – Honesty, truthfulness, mutual understanding, cooperation, etc
4) International Peace – Geneva convention, war rules, Nuclear policy etc
5) Global Village – Field of communication, culture of diff countries, etc
6) Good Citizenship – Moral values, fundamental rights and duties, etc
7) Leadership Qualities – Students of today are leaders of tomorrow.
8) Acquisition of Knowledge – Of various fields.
9) Understanding the environment – As geography
10) Problem solving abilities – Social science develops the ability to problem solving
11) Feeling of Co-operation – By knowing the importance of other countries and dependency
12) National integration – Develops feeling of nat. integration.
13) Understanding the present –
14) Knowledge about Laws of Nature – Geo
15) Development of thinking power and Rationality – Learn to apply thinking in diff situation.
16) Moral development – Truthfulness, love, affection and respect for others and for nation.
17) Preserve and care of culture – Save trees, save environment, save earth, pollution free india
18) Development of democratic values – Polity, Fundamental rights and duties.
19) All round development of the students -