Social historians attempt to understand everyday human experience, and in particular to construct narratives of the lower socioeconomic classes and other groups not represented in traditional literary or governing circles--the subject of political, intellectual, and military histories.

The term "social history" first arose during the Progressive Era as interest grew in the contemporary and historical status of people in the middle and lower classes. By the late 20th century, the study had been expanded to women, ethnic minorities, and others deemed marginalized.

Closely related to social history are women's history, cultural history, economic history, and labor history.