Notes: Geography as a social study and as a science - CTET & State TET PDF Download

Geography: A Social Study and Science

The term "Geography" in English originates from the combination of two Greek words, 'Geo' meaning Earth and 'Graphy' meaning description. Thus, Geography denotes the description of Earth. Initially, geography was regarded as a social study. However, over time, scientific perspectives were integrated into geography, with scholars such as Malthus considering it a science. Contemporary geographers perceive geography as a fusion of social studies and science, indicating that while its subject matter is intertwined with society, its methodology is scientific.

Geography as a Social Study

Geography primarily focuses on the evolving nature and spatial organization of the Earth's surface. It has been defined by various geographers:

• Monkhouse: "Geography involves the study of regional differences in human habitation."
• Hartshorne: "Geography is the discipline that describes the changing forms on the Earth's surface from one place to another and interprets them as 'the Human world.'"

The study of geography initially took the form of a social study, providing details of geographical phenomena without delving into scientific explanations. Scholars like Eratosthenes and Ptolemy, who viewed geography as a social study, did incorporate logical thinking into the discipline.

Geography as a Science

With the evolution of scientific methods, the scientific study of geography emerged. Modern geography places emphasis on employing scientific methods and principles, exploring cause-effect relationships. Present-day geography can be regarded both as a social science and as a science.

Branches and Purposes of Geography

Branches of Geography

1. Physical Geography

   Physical Geography studies natural forms and processes in the environment, aiming to explain the spatial characteristics of Earth's hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. It includes:

   • In hydrology, the properties and movement of Earth's water in relation to land are studied.
   • Geomorphology examines the physical features of Earth's surface in relation to its geological structure.
   • Geodesy focuses on studying the size and shape of the Earth.

2. Human Geography

   Human Geography deals with the built environment and explores how space is created, viewed, and managed by humans. It encompasses the study of patterns and processes shaping human society, including human, political, cultural, social, and economic aspects.

3. Economic Geography

   Economic Geography studies the location, distribution, and spatial organization of economic activities worldwide, representing a traditional sub-field of geography.

4. Environmental Geography

   Environmental Geography combines human and physical geography, examining their interaction with humans. It explores the relationships among socio-economic and spatial activities of humans, including the study of soil (Pedology) in their natural environment.

5. Applied Geography

   Applied Geography applies geographical knowledge and skills to address real-world social, economic, and environmental problems. Examples include the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation and its role in modernizing the global air traffic system.

Purpose of Studying Geography

The purposes of studying geography include:

• Integrating and studying the Earth's surface based on different forms and dividing it into different areas.
• Studying the interactions between the environment and human beings.
• Examining differences in the distribution of resources, human communities, and habitats on Earth.
• Explaining terrestrial developments in different regions.
• Understanding the biological connection between environmental elements and human society through ecological analysis.

Geography and Other Subjects of Social Science

Geography is closely related to various other social sciences:

1. Geography and Economics

   Geography determines the distribution of resources, which in turn influences economic activities. The successful development of the economy leads to diversification, innovation, growth, and prosperity.

2. Geography and Sociology

   Geography provides a physical understanding of the Earth, which is essential for sociology to comprehend human society and its relationship with the environment. Geography helps in understanding the social aspects of human life.

3. Geography and Political Science

   
   Geographical and physical conditions are believed to significantly influence the character, national life, and political institutions of people. Aristotle emphasized the importance of geography in political and strategic wisdom. 'Bodin' was among the first modern writers to explore the relationship between political science and geography. Rousseau proposed a connection between climatic conditions and forms of government, suggesting warm climates favor despotism, cold climates favor barbarism, and moderate climates favor good governance.

4. Geography and History

   
   Geography and history are often intertwined, as certain locations hold significant historical importance. Understanding a region's geography can enhance the study of historical topics. Similarly, historical events can shed light on geographical features and their significance. For instance, Africa's diamond market and Australia's wildlife are historically renowned.

5. Geography and Military Science

   
   Military geography, a sub-field of geography, is utilized by the military, academics, and politicians to comprehend the geo-political landscape through a military lens. It involves considering topics ranging from geo-politics to physical locations' impacts on military operations, as well as the cultural and economic ramifications of military presence.

Geographical Science

Geographical science explores the practical applications and theoretical foundations of geography:

1. Geography as a Science of Earth: Geography is the study of Earth and its inhabitants, defining the subject matter of geography.
2. Geography as a Science of Interrelation of Elements: Geography studies the interconnectedness and interactions of elements on Earth, aiming to understand the complexities of different regions.
3. Geography as a Representation of Regional Specificity: Geography delves into the demarcation and territorial details of regions, expressing the interrelations of principle groups and showcasing the specificity of each region.

Study Area of Geography

The study area of geography encompasses various aspects of Earth's surface:

1. Lithosphere: The Earth's lithosphere consists of the crust and uppermost mantle, forming the hard and rigid outer layer. It is divided into tectonic plates and interacts with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere through processes like soil formation. The uppermost part of the lithosphere, which reacts chemically with other spheres, is known as the pedosphere. Beneath the lithosphere lies the asthenosphere, a weaker, hotter, and deeper part of the upper mantle

2. Atmosphere

   The Earth's atmosphere is the layer of gases, commonly referred to as air, that envelops the planet and is held in place by Earth's gravity. It serves several vital functions:
   • Protecting life on Earth by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation.
   • Warming the surface through heat retention, known as the greenhouse effect.
   • Regulating temperature extremes between day and night
3. Hydrosphere: The hydrosphere encompasses all the water found on, under, and above the surface of a planet, minor planet, or natural satellite. On Earth:

• There are approximately 1386 million cubic kilometers of water.
• This includes water in liquid and frozen form in groundwater, oceans, lakes, and streams.
• Saltwater accounts for 97.5% of this total.

4. Biosphere

The biosphere is the layer of Earth where life exists, spanning various environments:

• From heights up to 10 kilometers above sea level, utilized by some birds in flight,
• To ocean depths like the Puerto Rico trench, exceeding 8 kilometers deep.
• While extremes exist, the biosphere is generally thin, with the upper atmosphere having little oxygen and low temperatures, and ocean depths below 1000 meters being dark and cold.