This paper defines, inquires into the relationships, and analyzes the terms social sciences and social studies. Too often social studies are a simplified instructional adaptation from the social sciences in which curricular decisions are made on the basis of dictates of the social science disciplines and of college prerequisites. A social studies course must have a different rationale than a social science course and should not be confused with social sciences or vice-versa. Rather, secondary social studies should offer a general education relevant to all students and prepare them for effective citizenship responsibility and participation. Elective social science courses can meet special college preparation needs. In contrast to the present erroneous emphasis on structure in the social sciences, the evidence indicates that learning improves when concepts and data reflect relevant societal problems. In conclusion, despite the belief that social sciences alone are inadequate as a source of concepts for a curriculum because intellectual styles of the social scientist are not generally appropriate to the analysis of problems faced by the adult citizen, the probability of continued emphasis on the social sciences is forecast. (Author/SJM)