Social Science Studies in India

Social Science, by definition, is the study of human society concerning human behaviour and culture. It is an academic discipline that is instructed at numerous levels of education and researched at the university level. The common branches in social science studies in India include Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, Geography, History, Politics, Psychology, and Sociology. 

One of the key characteristics of social science is its insight into the function of the mind and the functioning of society as a whole. Social science research has provided aid to the formation of various government policies as it provides an understanding of the needs and wants of human society. 

Social Science As A Subject

In India, social science studies are introduced at a fundamental level, i.e. during primary schooling from the first standard. The course then includes specific topics and short lessons for the children, like Mahatma Gandhi’s stories, the great warrior Ashoka, etc. 

As the student’s transition from primary to a higher level, the subject is divided into history, geography, and political science until the secondary examinations; the complexity of topics increases with each standard. It includes the topics like the democracy of India, leaderships of different countries, the constitution of India, the French Revolution, Industrialization, geographical characteristics of India, etc.

Even at the senior secondary level of education, the humanities stream includes various fields of social studies. The creek forms a base for candidates interested in participating in government examinations like UPSC. It can also create a base for other graduation and post graduation programs discussed further in the article. 

Disciplines Under Social Science

Social science includes a vast range of subjects which gives a lot of choices to consider during an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree. As a critical characteristic of social science, the skills are transferable and interconnected; some might pursue different courses in their post graduation. 

A few courses available in India for students to pursue are detailed below:

• Anthropology 

The scientific study of humanity is referred to as Anthropology. It’s a perfect blend of natural science and social science for anyone who wants to dip their toe in both pools. The subject includes human behaviour, cultural relations, and the effect of the evolution of humanity on society’s structure. 

• Archaeology 

The field of archaeology is an important one in studying social sciences in India. It involves the study of human evolution and development through the material remains found on the earth. It’s an evidence-based study and requires excavation work, material analysis, and surveillance. 

• Economics

The field of economics involves the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It’s an exciting course and can be pursued by candidates interested in the diplomatic and business world. Actuarial science is a viral branch of economic statistics and provides a broad range of job opportunities. 

• Geography

The actual field of geography extends beyond the maps to analysing the land and the characteristics of the relationship between the land and the humans. In postgraduate courses, one can further specialise in the geography of the ocean, earth, mines, and stones.

• History 

It includes studying periods in the past to gain knowledge of the development of humanity as a society. It revolves around reading resources from the past, verifying the information, and researching. 

• Political Science

The study of political science includes both the past and present aspects of political philosophies and events. As politics is everywhere and affects a person’s daily life, it is a fascinating subject to pursue. It also includes comparative politics and international relations. 

• Psychology 

Psychology is a blend of neurobiological science and the study of human behaviour, but it doesn’t make one a mind reader. Postgraduate in psychology can branch out in various aspects of the social science studies in India like criminal psychology, child psychology, developmental psychology, interpersonal psychology, etc. 

Job Opportunities In Social Science 

Most candidates pursue a field of study after understanding the prospects of available work opportunities in an area, their interest, and aptitude. A few critical characteristics of social science studies in India are the varied skills that are gained during the program:

• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Writing skills

Apart from this, studying social science will make one’s judgment better to understand human behaviour, society, and culture. Numerous lucrative career options, both government and private, are available after an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree in social science studies in India; a few of them are:

• Psychologist
• Stockbroker 
• Anthropologist 
• Archaeologist
• Research 
• Public services 
• Actual scientist 
• Political authority 
• Teaching 

Conclusion

Social science is an acquired taste; not everyone has a knack for it. The subjects included are exciting and provide us with knowledge of everything related to human behaviour, society, and the structure of society. Along with this, the topics like psychology also empower us with tools to better judge a character and life skills which can make a complex life straightforward. 

A postgraduate in social science in India can quickly grab white-collar jobs that are respected and well paid. Some of the top universities to enrol for social science studies in India are: