Social science is a field of study that focuses on understanding human society and social relationships. It encompasses various disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, economics, and geography. Social scientists use scientific methods to analyze and study human behavior, social interactions, cultural norms, societal structures, and the impact of social factors on individuals and communities. The goal of social science is to gain insights into how societies function and to generate knowledge that can contribute to solving societal issues and improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

Some important social scientists include:

1. Karl Marx - Known for his contributions to the field of sociology and his theory of Marxism.
2. Max Weber - Renowned for his work on social theory and the concept of bureaucracy.
3. Sigmund Freud - Considered the father of psychoanalysis, he made significant contributions to psychology and understanding human behavior.
4. Emile Durkheim - Often referred to as the father of sociology, he studied social institutions and their impact on individuals.
5. Michel Foucault - A prominent philosopher and social theorist who examined power relationships and the influence of institutions on society.
6. Jane Addams - Known as a pioneer in the field of social work, she co-founded Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago.
7. Margaret Mead - An influential anthropologist who conducted extensive research on gender roles and cultural anthropology.
8. Erving Goffman - A sociologist whose work focused on dramaturgy, exploring how individuals present themselves in different social situations.
9. Herbert Simon - A Nobel laureate in economics, his work contributed to understanding decision-making processes and organizational behavior.
10. Judith Butler - A philosopher who has made significant contributions to gender studies and queer theory.
    Note: There are many other important social scientists across various disciplines such as economics, anthropology, political science, psychology, etc., so this list is not exhaustive but provides a glimpse into some key figures in the field.

There are numerous important works in the field of social science that have significantly contributed to our understanding of society, human behavior, and the structures that shape our lives. Here are a few notable examples:

1. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith (1776): This influential book laid the foundation for modern economics and explores the role of self-interest and free markets in driving economic growth.
2. "The Social Contract" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1762): Rousseau's work examines the relationship between individuals and society, advocating for a social contract where people collectively agree to form a government that protects their rights and liberties.
3. "The Division of Labor in Society" by Emile Durkheim (1893): Durkheim's groundbreaking sociological study explores how social order is maintained through the division of labor, highlighting the importance of social cohesion and solidarity.
4. "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" by Max Weber (1905): Weber's work investigates the influence of religious beliefs, particularly Protestantism, on economic development and capitalism's emergence.
5. "The Interpretation of Dreams" by Sigmund Freud (1899): Freud's psychological study delves into dream analysis, exploring unconscious desires, wishes, and their impact on human behavior.
6. "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir (1949): This feminist masterpiece examines women's oppression throughout history, challenging societal norms regarding gender roles and advocating for gender equality.
7. "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas Kuhn (1962): Kuhn revolutionized our understanding of scientific progress by introducing the concept of paradigm shifts – major changes in scientific thinking that occur over time.
8. "Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison" by Michel Foucault (1975): Foucault's influential work explores how power operates in society, particularly through disciplinary institutions like prisons, and the effects of surveillance and control on individuals.
9. "Guns, Germs, and Steel" by Jared Diamond (1997): Diamond's book examines the role of geography, technology, and culture in shaping human history, providing insights into the inequalities between different societies.
10. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty (2013): Piketty's work focuses on income inequality and wealth concentration, analyzing historical data to highlight the implications of capitalism for social and economic dynamics.
    These are just a few examples of important works in social science. The field is vast and continuously evolving as new research emerges to shed light on various aspects of human society.

1. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari (2011)
2. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty (2013)
3. "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander (2010)
4. "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond (2016)
5. "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow" by Yuval Noah Harari (2015)
6. "Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy" by Cathy O'Neil (2016)
7. "The Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of Mass Unemployment" by Martin Ford (2015)
8. "Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress" by Steven Pinker (2018)
9. "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert (2014)
10. "Educated: A Memoir" by Tara Westover (2018)
    These books cover a range of social science topics including history, economics, sociology, criminology, technology, and environmental studies. They have been widely acclaimed for their contributions to understanding contemporary social issues and shaping public discourse in the past decade.