Social science, or social sciences, refers to a branch of science that uses scientific methods to study the behavior of human and the society. It includes language studies, psychology, econmics, anthropology, sociology, and many others. It is related to humanities.

Yes, because social science deals with unpredictable human behavior and societal movements, there is no absolutely true or wrong answer for most social problems. However, social theories are formed exactly the same way as other sciences do: first observe the phenomenon, then summarize it and form a theory, and then collect data and test the theory. It is a spiral process. The empiricism is the key in modern social science.

Take Marxism as an example. Karl Marx spent years sitting in the British library to study the history of worker movement and economical theories. He also examined the current class situation and collected data on related issues. He formed his theory based on his observations. He tested his theory on British industrial development. He used mathematical models (although quit rudimental) to illustrate his theory. His research was logical, rigorous and empirical. It is unfortunate that Chinese social science scholars adopted Marx’s theory but failed to learn Marx’s scientific research methods.

It is thus not unexpected that many students in (traditional) science majors have also failed to appreciate the concept and contributions of social science. For example, in a Chinese forum, people use a humiliating phrase, “dumb social science babe,” to describe those who study social science but discuss science. Although the discrimination can be traced back to the discrimination during high school in which less abled students (and more females) are more likely (or even forced) to study social science, the discrimination is largely due to the incompetence of Chinese social science research itself, and the prejudice among Chinese leaders and society.

Chinese social scientists tend to make theories and hypotheses without any evidence to support their view, or even irrefutable. It is very common to see many writers and cultural researchers make brave comments on social phenomena without fully understanding what they are saying. Their talks are illogical, vague and vain. Chinese economists also publicly advise government policy without any data to support their view. Thus their messages are always misleading and sometimes have devastating effects. It is hardly to be surprised that many scientifically trained people will dismiss their opinions completely. The consequence is that most people think all social scientists are dumb like that.

The truth is, that it is not the social science that lacks of rigorous methods but the practitioners lack the training. Many Chinese social scientists mistake the philosophical thinking as social science. Students in social science are not good at quantitative methods. At the time when I was applying for college, the economics was labeled as a non-science major, although students oriented in science major can be enrolled in the program too. In the US, economics is considered a quantitative major. Many students double-major in mathematics/statistics and economics.

Is social science a real science? Based on its characteristics of empiricism and refutism, yes, it is a science. Does social science deserve humiliation by those who majore in science? NO. However, the Chinese social science needs a significant change to gain others’ respect. Only after Chinese social science researchers adopt the rigorous scientific methods in their research and teaching can the Chinese social science becomes a science. But that’s a long way.