Social science is the branch of science devoted to the study of human societies and the relationships among individuals within those societies. The term was formerly used to refer to the field of sociology, the original "science of society", established in the 19th century. 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. 

Demography and social statistics, methods and computing Demography is the study of populations and population changes and trends, using resources such as statistics of births, deaths and disease. Social statistics, methods and computing involves the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative social science data. Development studies, human geography and environmental planning Development studies is a multidisciplinary branch of the social sciences which addresses a range of social and economic issues related to developing or low-income countries. Human geography studies the world, its people, communities and cultures, and differs from physical geography mainly in that it focuses on human activities and their impact - for instance on environmental change. Environmental planning explores the decision-making processes for managing relationships within and between human systems and natural systems, in order to manage these processes in an effective, transparent and equitable manner.