Humanities vs. Social Sciences - which one?

I'm trying to decide between majoring in humanities or social sciences, but I'm unsure about the differences between the two and which one might fit me best. Can someone give me an idea of what each entails and any factors I should consider when making my decision?

Both humanities and social sciences explore various aspects of human culture, behavior, and society. However, they have different areas of focus and use distinct approaches to investigate their subjects. Here's a quick overview of each:

Humanities: This field studies human expression, culture, and philosophy. It typically covers subjects like literature, languages, history, art history, philosophy, and religious studies. The approach in humanities is often interpretative or analytical, and it often involves examining texts, artifacts, or other cultural expressions to understand their meanings and implications.

Social Sciences: This field studies human behavior, society, and interactions. It focuses on subjects like psychology, sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, and human geography. Social scientists use scientific methods, empirical data, and research techniques to analyze patterns in human behavior and society, aiming to develop theories or models that explain these patterns.

To decide which one might be a better fit for you, consider the following:

1. Subjects you enjoy: Reflect on the courses you've taken so far and determine which subjects you genuinely enjoy and excel at. If you find yourself more drawn to literature, languages, or philosophy, humanities might be a better fit for you. If you're more interested in understanding human behavior, social dynamics, or the economy, social sciences could be right for you.

2. Career prospects: Think about the professions and industries that interest you, and try to map them to the fields of study. For example, a humanities major might be more suitable if you're interested in journalism, publishing, or cultural management, while a social sciences major might be ideal for careers in public policy, data analysis, or urban planning.

3. Research and analysis methods: Consider whether you'd enjoy working with primary sources, texts, and artifacts to explore human culture and thought (humanities) or whether you'd prefer using quantitative or qualitative methods to analyze data (social sciences). Knowing your preferred research style can help inform your decision.

4. Interdisciplinary opportunities: Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to choose one field or the other. Many colleges offer interdisciplinary programs, double majors, or dual-degree options that allow you to combine your interests and study both humanities and social sciences simultaneously.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal preferences, academic strengths, and career goals. Reflect on the points above, attend college information sessions, and seek guidance from current students or professors in each field to make a well-informed decision. Good luck!