Understanding Social Science: Meaning, Scope, and Importance

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental definitions, scholar perspectives, core disciplines, and guiding values of Social Science as presented in the Class 9 (NCF 2023) curriculum.

Social Science

A systematic study of human society and the relationship between the individual and society, social institutions, and organisations.

James High

The scholar who defined Social Science as "bodies of learning and study which recognise the simultaneous and mutual action of physical and non-physical stimuli which produce social relations."

Charles Beard

The scholar who described Social Science as a "body of knowledge and thought pertaining to human affairs as distinguished from sticks, stones, stars and physical objects."

Geography

The discipline that studies the Earth as the home of human beings, focusing on landforms, climate, resources, and how people interact with their environment.

Remote Sensing

A method used by geographers involving satellite images to track rivers, forests, urban growth, and disasters like cyclones or earthquakes.

History

The study of the past that explores social and cultural developments, major events, and how present-day institutions and practices were shaped over time.

Political Science

The study of how societies are governed, including government institutions, laws, the rights and duties of citizens, and democratic participation.

Economics

The study of how societies manage limited resources to meet unlimited needs, covering production, distribution, consumption, markets, and employment.

Diversity

The presence and respectful recognition of differences among people, such as language, religion, gender, age, and cultural practices.

Inclusivity

The practice of ensuring that everyone feels respected and can participate fully in shared spaces by removing barriers and preventing exclusion.

Sustainability

The wise and responsible use of resources so that both present and future generations can meet their needs while protecting nature.

Equity

Fairness in opportunities and outcomes, recognizing that people starting from disadvantaged positions may require additional support.

Decentralisation

The sharing of decision-making power with local bodies, such as Panchayati Raj Institutions, to bring governance closer to people's daily needs.

Prejudice

An unfair judgement about a person or group formed without sufficient knowledge or evidence.

Migration

The movement of people from one place to another, often for work, which impacts housing, transport, and public services.

$2011$ Census of India

The census record indicating that there are $121$ languages and $1,369$ rationalised mother tongues spoken across the country.

Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

The section of the Constitution that recognizes $22$ languages, providing them with official status.

$73^{rd}$ Constitutional Amendment Act

The legislative act that strengthened Panchayati Raj Institutions, marking a major step toward decentralisation and wider citizen participation in India.

Scientific Temper

A value included in the Fundamental Duties that encourages questioning rumours and stereotypes and looking for evidence and multiple causes for social issues.

Fraternity

The constitutional ideal that all citizens should relate to one another with respect and a shared sense of togetherness.