Social Sciences: Key Disciplines, Social Issues, and Urban History

What are the major fields included in the social sciences?

Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, and Economics.

How does Sociology contribute to our understanding of society?

It explains social inequality, institutions, and cultural norms.

What does Anthropology study?

Human cultures, societies, and evolution.

What is the focus of Political Science?

The analysis of government systems, power, and political behavior.

How does Economics help us understand society?

It explores production, consumption, and distribution of resources.

What social issues do social scientists research?

Poverty, racism, education access, public health disparities, climate change, gender inequality, urban development, and mental health.

What role do social scientists play in public health?

They study how social, economic, and cultural factors influence health outcomes.

What are social determinants of health according to Dr. Anglin?

Conditions such as income inequality, education, neighborhood conditions, and racial discrimination that affect health.

What is social mobility?

The ability to move up or down the social and economic hierarchy.

What is cultural capital?

Non-financial assets that provide social advantage or status, such as education and communication skills.

What are the different types of cultural capital?

Embodied, objectified, and institutionalized.

What is social capital?

The value of networks, relationships, and trust that provide support and opportunities.

What is bonding social capital?

Connections among people with similar backgrounds that provide emotional support.

What is bridging social capital?

Connections across different social groups that provide new opportunities and resources.

What was Seneca Village?

A 19th-century African American and Irish immigrant community in NYC, significant for being one of the first communities of free Black property owners.

What process led to the formation of Central Park?

NYC used eminent domain to seize land from Seneca Village residents, who were forcibly displaced.

What were the Five Demands at CCNY in 1969?

Creation of a school of Black and Puerto Rican studies, freshman orientation for these students, student voice in hiring, racially reflective admissions, and required courses in Black and Puerto Rican history.

What is the SEEK Program?

A program providing academic, financial, and counseling support for economically disadvantaged students at CCNY.

Why is media literacy important?

It promotes critical thinking, resilience against misinformation, and empowers civic participation.

How can experiencing awe in cities influence individuals?

It can increase empathy, connection, and social awareness, positively impacting mental health.

What are primary sources?

Original, firsthand materials like letters, maps, and artifacts.

What are secondary sources?

Interpretations or analyses created later, such as articles and textbooks.

How do social scientists analyze health behaviors?

They study the impact of income, education, and community networks on health outcomes.

What is the significance of upward mobility?

It reflects opportunities for individuals to improve their socioeconomic status.

What does downward mobility indicate?

A loss of social or economic status.

How does structural racism affect health?

It creates barriers to healthcare and increases chronic disease risks.

What insights does Psychology provide in social sciences?

It explores how individuals think, feel, and interact socially.