Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences

Flashcards for review of social science disciplines, norms, and key figures.

Natural Sciences

The study of the universe and how it works.

Life Science (or biological science)

Sciences related to the planet earth including geology, geophysics, hydrology, and meteorology.

Physical Science

The study of inanimate natural objects and the laws that govern them.

Humanities

An academic discipline that studies numerous human conditions and the manners wherein human experiences are treated and recorded.

Social Sciences

Academic disciplines which deal with the man in their social context, including history, political science, economics, and sociology.

Norms

A standard or pattern, especially of social behavior, that is typical or expected of a group.

Political Science

The study of politics, political systems, and governments.

Anthropology

Studies humans and their culture in the past and present time.

Economics

Studies the optimum allocation of scarce resources and how individuals interact within the social structure.

Sociology

A systematic study of people's behavior in groups rather than individuals.

Demography

The scientific study of the human population across time.

Geography

Studies the interaction between people and their environments.

History

Studies past events in order to understand the meaning, dynamics, and relationship of the cause and effect of events in the development of human societies.

Psychology

The scientific study of the human mind.

Applied Social Sciences

A branch of study that applies different concepts and theories of social science disciplines to help understand society and its various problems and issues.

Counseling

Provides guidance, help, and support to individuals who are distraught by a diverse set of problems in their lives.

Social Work

Practitioners help individuals, families, groups, and communities improve their individual and collective well-being.

Communication

The process of sharing information, thoughts, and emotions between individuals or groups.

Formal Institutions

Codified rules, policies, and norms that are considered official, originating from state laws, government, and formal organizations.

Informal Institutions

Informal rules and norms that are not commonly written down, widely accepted social practices but not officially documented.

Institutions

Pattern norms rules and schemes that govern and direct social thought and action, an important human organization in a cultural group that helps a society to survive.

Institutionalism

Approach that highlights the role of institutions, both formal and informal, in affecting social behavior.

Feminism

A collection of movements and ideologies establishing, defending political, socio & economic rights for women.

Liberal Feminism

Individualistic form of feminist theory, which focuses on women's ability to maintain their equality through their own actions and choices.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo (Rizal's novels)

Exposed the abuses and injustices committed by the Spanish colonial government and the clergy.