Social science, any discipline or branch of science that deals with human behaviour in its social and cultural aspects. The social sciences include cultural (or social) anthropology, sociology, social psychology, political science, and economics. Also frequently included are social and economic geography and those areas of education that deal with the social contexts of learning and the relation of the school to the social order (see also educational psychology). Historiography is regarded by many as a social science, and certain areas of historical study are almost indistinguishable from work done in the social sciences. Most historians, however, consider history as one of the humanities. It is generally best, in any case, to consider history as marginal to the humanities and social sciences, since its insights and techniques pervade both. The study of comparative law may also be regarded as a part of the social sciences, although it is ordinarily pursued in schools of law rather than in departments or schools containing most of the other social sciences.

Beginning in the 1950s, the term behavioral sciences was often applied to the disciplines designated as the social sciences. Those who favoured this term did so in part because these disciplines were thus brought closer to some of the sciences, such as physical anthropology and physiological psychology, which also deal with human behaviour.

What is social science?

Social science is, in its broadest sense, the study of society and the manner in which people behave and influence the world around us.

Social science tells us about the world beyond our immediate experience, and can help explain how our own society works – from the causes of unemployment or what helps economic growth, to how and why people vote, or what makes people happy. It provides vital information for governments and policymakers, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and others.

Specific Social Sciences

Now let’s look specifically at the subjects known as the social sciences:

Anthropology

Known as the ‘science of humanity’, anthropology covers a broad range of topics – from human behaviour, to cultural relations, and how the evolution of humanity has influenced society’s structure. It’s often described as being both scientific and humanistic, meaning it’s well-suited for anyone looking to indulge passions for both of these kinds of subject – and, whilst focusing on history to an extent, there’s plenty of chance to apply it in modern contexts too!

Archaeology

Whilst many people think of archaeologists as being like Indiana Jones, the truth is very different – though no less interesting. Similar to anthropology in that it is the study of humanity, it relies much more on the material evidence left behind by cultures. There is excavation work, analysis and surveying to be done. Europe’s rich history – with the Roman Empire, the Vikings, and much more – means it is a perfect place to study this.

Economics

Economics looks at the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. You can choose to take a close view or a broad one, but in general, it comes down to looking at how the economic systems of the world work. This knowledge can be applied both theoretically and practically, meaning the subject is well suited for anyone interested in the current economic world.

Geography

Though many of us may remember geography as the subject at school that involved maps, it goes beyond that – analysing population, the land itself, the relationship between the two and often linking to the earth sciences (such as geology). At postgraduate level, you’ll be able to specialise in a particular branch – such as oceanology, environmental management or tourism geography.

History

History is a broad subject, encompassing large areas and time periods of the worlds. Whilst postgraduate level study gives you a chance to specialise, you’ll still be using similar skills – interpreting sources, looking at current theories of the past, and assessing ideas against the available evidence. With Europe’s long, well-documented history, there’s the chance to get to look at the places you’re studying first hand.

Law

Studying Law will give you the opportunity to look at a variety of legal systems, and to focus on a particular area – contract law, international law or criminal law, to name but a few. Doing further study in law is especially useful if intending to go into it as a career, although it is possible to study it solely for academic reasons.

Linguistics

Linguistics is the study of language – looking at its form, context, or meaning. Rather than learning to speak a particular language, it’s more about how language itself works. Within linguistics, there is a broad range of study, from looking at grammar, to language acquisition or the evolution of language. With the EU having 23 official languages, and Europe itself having more than 60 indigenous regional and minority languages, what better place to study linguistics?

Political Science

Politics affect every part of life, so it’s no wonder it makes such a fascinating area of study. Often broken up into Political Philosophy, Comparative Politics and International Relations, this subject allows for studying both historical and current events. Again, this is a degree perfect for both those aiming for a career in the area, or looking at it academically, and with the EU containing so many differing systems, it’s a fantastic place to study it.

Psychology

Both theoretical and experimental, psychology makes use of studying both social behaviour and neurobiological processes. With such a broad area of study – the human mind – you’ll specialise in particular areas, perhaps child development, interpersonal relationships or social psychology. Europe has a long history with psychology, thanks to Germany’s involvement in its development, so in studying here you’ll be joining a long line of innovative scholars.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of society, both on the individual and structural level. Covering topics such as class, religion and social mobility, there’s a broad range to choose to specialise in. Some sociologists work solely for theoretical purposes, whilst others intend to use their findings in policies or welfare. In such a multicultural continent as Europe, with its large variety of societies, you’ll find plenty to study, and with the amount of changes that have taken place in the past century, there’ll definitely be an area to interest you.

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You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

• Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
• Because it will help you focus you own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.

The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.

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• Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
• What topics do you think you’ll write about?
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• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

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