INTRODUCTION TO
DISCIPLINES OF APPLIED SOCIAL
SCIENCES
Definition of Social Sciences
 Definition of Applied Social Sciences

History
 Political Science
 Psychology
 Sociology
 Anthropology
 Economics
 Social Work
 Counseling
 Communication

Guide Questions
To what cluster of science does this
group of subjects belong?
 Which of the aforementioned subjects
belong to a subset that represents a
direct application of science to everyday
life or have a clear focus on applied social
issues?

SOCIAL SCIENCES
These are disciplines concerned with the
systematic study of social phenomena.
 The term “social sciences” is defined as the
study of human society; that particular area
of study that relates to human behavior and
society.
 It is a branch of science that deals with the
institutions, the functioning of human society,
and with the interpersonal relationships of
individuals as members of society.

DISCIPLINES OF SOCIAL
SCIENCES

What are the disciplines of social sciences?
 Anthropology
 Economics
 Sociology
 Political Science
 History
 Criminology
 Psychology
 Geography
 Communication Studies/Linguistics
DISCIPLINES OF SOCIAL
SCIENCES

What is the main goal of these disciplines?
 To explain human behavior in its many
cultural forms including the past and the
present, individually or in groups, national and
international geopolitical contexts, and to
empower them as democratic participants in
a rapidly changing world.
DISCIPLINES OF SOCIAL
SCIENCES

Other insights about the disciplines of
social sciences
 Provide a substantive insight to the
understanding of society and of the
relationship of individual members and groups
within the society
 Study all areas related to human behavior and
society, the institutions and functioning of
human society and dealing with a particular
phase/aspect of human society
APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
It is an integrated science cutting across
transcending various social science
disciplines in addressing a wide range of
issues in a contemporary, innovative, and
dynamic way.
 It aims at presenting a well-developed
understanding of social systems, social
theory, and social policy.

APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
It integrates theory, social research, skills
and professional experience, and critical
thinking skills necessary to fully address
social phenomena.
 Therefore, applied social sciences is a
broad field that draws on different social
theories and perspectives and combines
theory and practice drawn from different
social disciplines that highlight the
complexity of all social issues.

APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

Other insights about applied social sciences
 Applied social sciences reflects an
interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary view and
approach to social issues, policy and response
 Its focus is less fixed and allows for specialisms
on other areas to provide perspectives.
 In this course, three of the applied social sciences
are emphasized to demonstrate how theories
and concepts drawn from other disciplines can be
brought together to bear upon one discipline in
applied sense: counseling, social work and
communication
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SCIENCES
AND APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
SOCIAL SCIENCES
More specific and focused
on a distinct facet of a
social phenomenon
APPLIED SOCIAL
SCIENCES
Attempts to focus on a
distinct issue but use
insights arising from various
social science disciplines
Some of their input may
When social science
easily become applied while theories, concepts, methods
others may remain
and findings gain application
theoretical
to problems identified in
the wider society, then
applied social science is
achieved
FUNCTIONS AND EFFECTS OF
APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
They generate knowledge in an organic
way for evidence-based actions and
solutions to social problems and issues.
 They cause social sciences to do things
rather than just remain a source of factual
knowledge.
 They generate practical solutions to
complex social problems.

FUNCTIONS AND EFFECTS OF
APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
Communication – provides accessibility
to information and thereby serves the
rights of an individual and the public to be
informed and to be heard by their elders
and communities
 Counseling – provides healing, courage
and strength for an individual to face
his/her issues and take up the best
possible option in moments of life crises

FUNCTIONS AND EFFECTS OF
APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

Social Work – promotes social change,
problem solving in human relationships,
and the empowerment and liberation of
people to enhance their holistic wellbeing