Why Social Science?

About this chapter

This is the introduction to the Class 6 Social Science textbook — not a numbered chapter. It explains why we study Social Science: to understand ourselves, our world and human societies so we can help build a better future. Living in a challenging 21st century of rapid technology yet wars, conflict and environmental stress, the text argues that Social Science is not a 'science' like physics or chemistry — it uses scientific methods where possible, but its focus, human society, is too diverse for fixed procedures. Its many subdisciplines (history, geography, political science, economics, sociology, anthropology, archaeology, psychology) are not separated at the Middle Stage; instead five broad themes are used: India and the World, Tapestry of the Past, Our Cultural Heritage, Governance and Democracy, and Economic Life. The book stresses asking the right questions and a multidisciplinary approach. CTET frames items on the five themes, the multidisciplinary inquiry method, and the book's stated purpose. The four tests cover: Practice — recall; Quiz — application; Hard — PYQ-style; Mastery — full mixed mock.