Applied Social Science is defined by its action-oriented focus: it is the application of social science theories, concepts, methods, and findings to address real-world problems identified in the wider society (D. Jary & J. Jary 2000).
In practice, this field translates core knowledge into professional disciplines like Counseling, Social Work, and Communication. While each of these applied fields has its own foundational theories, a defining characteristic of applied social science is its necessary interdisciplinary nature. No significant social issue is purely one-dimensional; therefore, effective solutions must cut across and unify insights from multiple social science disciplines.
Defining the Foundation: Social Sciences
Social Sciences are disciplines concerned with the systematic study of social phenomena . Broadly, they constitute the branch of science dedicated to the study of human society, focusing on human behavior, interpersonal relationships, and the functioning of social institutions.
An Overview of Core Social Science Disciplines
The foundational disciplines of the Social Sciences include:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Sociology
- Political Science
- History
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Geography
- Communication Studies
The primary goal of these core disciplines is to explain human behavior across various cultural, historical, and geopolitical contexts, providing a comprehensive understanding of society and the relationships between individuals and groups.
What is Applied Social Science?
Applied Social Science is an integrated science that transcends various specialized social science disciplines to address a wide range of contemporary social issues in a dynamic and innovative way. It represents a multidisciplinary view and approach to social problems, policy, and intervention.
Rather than remaining compartmentalized, applied social science integrates theory, social research, professional skills, and critical thinking to develop a robust understanding of social systems and deliver practical solutions.
Crucially, applied social science is not merely an aggregation of separate disciplines; it is praxis—theory actively engaged with the larger society. The emphasis is on action and utility.
The Relationship: Social Sciences vs. Applied Social Sciences
The distinction lies in the focus and outcome:
- Social Sciences are typically specific and focused on generating foundational knowledge and theory within a distinct facet of a social phenomenon (e.g., studying the theory of power dynamics in politics). The output may remain theoretical.
- Applied Social Sciences are problem-focused and interventional. They take the theories, concepts, methods, and findings generated by the core social sciences and apply them directly to problems identified in the wider society (e.g., using power dynamics theory to design a campaign for political empowerment).
Applied social science is achieved when social science knowledge gains application to problems identified in the wider society.
Functions and Effects of Applied Social Sciences (The Active Mode)
While Social Sciences are generators of knowledge, Applied Social Sciences move beyond the passive stage of understanding to embrace the active mode—they make social science do things.
Key Functions and Effects:
- Evidence-Based Solutions: They generate knowledge organically for evidence-based actions and solutions to pressing social problems.
- Practical Problem Solving: They translate complex social theories into practical solutions for complex real-world issues.
- Moral and Action Basis: The knowledge provided by core social science disciplines becomes the moral and intellectual basis for applied science to act on societal issues.
Specific Disciplines in Action:
- Counseling: Provides healing, courage, and strength for individuals to face their issues and take up the best possible options during life crises.
- Social Work: Promotes social change, aids in problem-solving in human relationships, and supports the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance their holistic well-being.
- Communication: Provides accessibility to information, thereby serving the rights of an individual and the public to be informed and to be heard by their communities.
Public Perception of Social Sciences and Applied Practitioners
In the contemporary era, the work of social sciences, particularly through communication and research, profoundly shapes public opinion and political outcomes—from political campaigns relying on polls and opinion columns to movements like the Arab Spring or EDSA. Practitioners, therefore, act as modern “mythmakers,” influencing public consciousness.
However, public perception remains complex and often mixed:
- Skepticism: At times, skepticism arises due to the perceived inability of these sciences to provide immediate, definitive solutions to deeply entrenched social problems.
- Discipline-Specific Views: Perception is often specific to the discipline:
- Counseling may be viewed as a last resort in some societies (like the Philippines) but as a regular professional service in others.
- Media/Communication is sometimes perceived as biased or unreliable.
- Social Work is often narrowly perceived as mere distribution of goods during calamities rather than its core mission of promoting social change, problem-solving, and empowerment utilizing principles of human rights and social justice. .
The ultimate perception of applied social science practitioners constantly evolves, influenced by the issues they address and the effectiveness of their outcomes.
