Are We Disrespecting Social Science?

In a world order dominated by the narratives of technocrats and capitalists, who have reduced the definition of success to mere individual professional achievements, we are witnessing the impact of the emptiness of these accolades through the silent screams of those deemed “successful.” Further, such an aggressive pursuit towards individualism has begun to manifest into hatred and intolerance, trying to tear apart the hard-knit social fabric of our country.

The education system, which is supposed to ingrain social values such as empathy, equality, harmony, and dignity, is seemingly failing. Our excessive obsession with subjects like science and mathematics has sidelined the foundational subject in social science. While numbers and logic are necessary for development, without socialness, it will lack the soul.

A Glorious Subject – Social Science

Traditionally, students consider social exams as mug-up and reproduction exercises. They often fail to realize the substance behind this living subject.

Lines in history were etched in the blood and sweat of the leaders, warriors, and martyrs, without whom India would have never smelled the fragrance of freedom. Geography is not an album of scenery, but an attempt to capture the clever plan of nature to foster in us a sense of interdependence by unevenly distributing the resources. Economics is not merely a bill of accounts. It is the art of managing limited resources to satisfy our unlimited needs. Art and culture are more than a visual spectacle. It brings out the brilliance of our cultural heritage, which defines our way of life. Polity is not a relic of rules, but a breathing moral soul that guides our life in the present and sets a vision for our future.

So, social science is not only a comprehensive subject, but also an ethical mother who nurtures her human children. Therefore, the failed relationship between such children and their mother in present times needs urgent attention.

Revive the Glory of Social Science

Any reforms centered around this regard must begin with school education. Often, social periods are borrowed by other subject teachers. In the minuscule time left, social teachers recite the lessons as facts rather than narrating them like a story. Self-study at home also lacks support. Thanks to the coaching centers for squeezing the remaining time in the name of competitive exams preparation, and that too, mostly for a career in science and mathematics.

A student choosing the field of social science as a career path is instantly stigmatized and branded as a “low scorer.” But the vibrancy of this discipline as a career choice is widely ignored. This is because people often know only a handful of career paths, like engineering, medicine, business, teaching, law enforcement, which are among the popular ones. Career options, including social scientists, psychiatrists, social activists, political scientists, economic advisors, human resource experts, and so on, are often hidden from public eyes.

Even if not opted as a career path, at least, social science must be meaningfully taught and learnt at the school level. Parents, students, and all the teachers, including those who handle different subjects, must be sensitized about the importance of such a foundational subject. Moreover, students must also be allowed to embrace socialness. This can be achieved through field trips to museums, remote villages, different religious sites, and old-age homes, where they can build their social sense.

Thus, in an age of individualism, social science fosters a sense of collectivism. Such a collective identity is imperative to hold our India together, because, without unity, India can pose itself as a country, but will never become a nation in the true sense.

We can be united and still debate. So, let the democracy thrive by expressing your thoughts in the comment section below.