how social science shapes lives essay

What is social science?

How social science shapes lives.

Social scientists influence our lives usually without us being aware they are doing so. For example, a study of behaviour at football matches has shown that if police avoid heavy-handed tactics this can help maintain crowd control in potentially hostile situations. The study’s findings on how to create a less confrontational atmosphere are being included in police training across Europe.

Other research findings have informed policies aimed at reducing child poverty and reforming the UK tax system to help poorer families. Charities such as Save the Children have used such research to highlight the higher prices paid by the poor for basic necessities such as fuel and banking.

Here are some other examples of areas in which social science influences our lives, including:

• what the role of government is in an increasingly market-based society, which has been determined by famous thinkers such as John Maynard Keynes and Karl Popper
• the economist who came up with the idea of the National Health Service
• payment of billions of pounds of state benefits for the needy, influenced by the work of social scientists
• social science research findings continuing to provide invaluable information for parents, local councillors, police officers, and business executives.

Last updated: 31 March 2022

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5 (page 82) p. 82 How social science can change the world

• Published: November 2024
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This chapter considers how social science can change the world. The impact agenda has become central to contemporary social science. The notion of impact relates to the contribution of research to society and the economy, whether by influencing the behaviour of individuals, organizations, or countries. The chapter discusses the diverse pathways through which social science may have societal impact. It then explores a series of real-world examples of how social scientists have shaped policy and practice in areas such as poverty, transport, malaria, child literacy, and policing. It explains the role of policy, business, and community engagement, and the growing importance of participatory and co-design approaches to research.

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Ulviyya Khalilova

February 20th, 2024, understanding humans: how social science can help solve our problems – review.

0 comments | 8 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

In   Understanding Humans: How Social Science Can Help Solve Our Problems ,  David Edmonds   curates a selection of interviews with social science researchers covering the breadth of human life and society, from morality, bias and identity to kinship, inequality and justice. Accessible and engaging, the research discussed in the book illuminates the crucial role of social sciences in addressing contemporary societal challenges, writes  Ulviyya   Khalilova .

This blogpost originally appeared on  LSE Review of Books . If you would like to contribute to the series, please contact the managing editor at  [email protected] .

Understanding Humans: How Social Science Can Help Solve Our Problems . David Edmonds. SAGE. 2023.

In the  Social Science Bites  podcast series, David Edmonds, a Consultant Researcher and Senior Research Associate at the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, collaborated with Nigel Warburton to explore the dynamics of modern society, interviewing eminent social and behavioural scientists on different topics. The engaging discussions that resulted led Edmonds to curate a selection of the episodes in a written format to bring the research to new audiences. The resulting book,  Understanding Humans: How Social Science Can Solve Our Problems , offers valuable insights into various aspects of human life and society, covering subjects from morality, bias and identity to kinship, inequality and justice.

Understanding Humans  […] offers valuable insights into various aspects of human life and society, covering subjects from morality, bias and identity to kinship, inequality and justice.

In his foreword to the book, Edmonds highlights that the selection of interviews, which translate into different chapters, reflect his own interests, though the criteria for their inclusion remains undisclosed. The book consists of eighteen chapters split between five thematic sections titled, respectively: Identity, How We Think and Learn, Human Behaviour, Making Social Change, and Explaining the Present, and Unexpected. Some topics introduced in one section can also fit into others, leading to overlaps between certain sections.

In the section on Identity, Sam Friedman discusses the insufficiency of education to eliminate the influence of class privilege, while Janet Carsten talks about the interconnectedness of kinship with politics, work, and gender. In his discussion of class, Friedman states that despite educational attainments, class privilege still significantly impacts career progression. The level of autonomy in the workplace, alongside one’s position and salary, could indicate whether career success correlates with social class. Friedman suggests that societal beliefs in meritocracy often overlook the inherent class-related barriers that hinder individuals’ opportunities for career development.

In the next section, Daniel Kahneman, Mahzarin Banaji, Gurminder K. Bhambra, Jonathan Haidt, Jo Boaler, and Sasika Sassen discuss various aspects of human thinking and learning. In his chapter on bias, Kahneman sheds light on biases in human thinking, discussing the dual processes of thinking: fast, associative thinking (System 1) and slower, effortful control (System 2). System 2 assists us in providing reasoning or explanations for our conclusions, essentially aiding in articulating our feelings and emotions. Education enhances System 2 and develops rational thinking, although achieving absolute rationality remains an elusive goal.

Boaler challenges the myth of innate mathematical ability, highlighting the crucial role of active engagement in developing mathematical skills.

In her chapter on the “Fear of Mathematics,” Boaler challenges the myth of innate mathematical ability, highlighting the crucial role of active engagement in developing mathematical skills. Deep thinking is crucial for developing maths skills, but it is a slow process that requires time. There is also a need for reforms in maths education, particularly addressing the issue of timed assessments that impede the brain’s capacity to develop mathematical skills effectively. Boaler states that the purpose of mathematics shouldn’t glorify speed, considering that many proficient mathematicians acknowledge working at a slower pace.

In the chapter “Before Method,” Sassen discusses how prior experiences shape research approaches, introducing the concept of “before method”, referring to both the desire for conducting research in a particular way and the actual execution of a research study. The rationale behind selecting a specific research method and topic is connected with the pre-existing experience preceding the method itself. Sassen challenges established categories by questioning whether it is possible to perceive things without initially considering categories, potentially influencing the direction of the study. She acknowledges that her awareness of prior research studies, established categories, and personal life experiences significantly shape her perception of the world as a researcher.

Following this, Stephen Reicher, Robert Shiller, David Halpern, and Valerie Curtis talk about various facets of human behaviour. Reicher discusses group dynamics, elucidating how physical proximity and psychological commonality foster different groups. Reicher also posits that group boundaries are loose and attributes this to the social changes, which, according to his explanation, result from a we-they dichotomy. Understanding intergroup interactions is crucial, particularly when individuals might not wish to be associated with confrontational aspects. However, belonging to a specific group often leads to labelling individuals, linking all their actions with that group, despite the distinctive nature of their involvement.

Halpern in his chapter on nudging explains that humans are not solely rational beings; their behaviour is influenced by various factors including impulses and emotions.

Halpern in his chapter on nudging explains that humans are not solely rational beings; their behaviour is influenced by various factors including impulses and emotions. He elaborates on how nudging proves beneficial for jobseekers, where incorporating specific human-related elements in emails encourages them to attend interviews. Halpern also posits that our inherent ‘groupish’ tendencies are intricately linked to human psychology. Various factors influence our proximity or distance from others, ultimately affecting societal progress, including economic development. Trust, for instance, varies significantly among different social classes. An individual from an impoverished social class facing financial challenges tends to have lower social trust. Conversely, someone from an affluent background might experience the opposite due to their social circle being influenced by their wealth.

Chenoweth’s research highlights the efficacy of nonviolent political action when contrasted with violent approaches, emphasising its higher success rates and potential to facilitate democratic transitions.

In the section on “Making Social Change” Jennifer Richeson, Erica Chenoweth, and Alison Liebling discuss how employing various approaches and research methods can drive social changes. Chenoweth’s research highlights the efficacy of nonviolent political action when contrasted with violent approaches, emphasising its higher success rates and potential to facilitate democratic transitions. Within the political sphere, an emerging trend is the digital revolution, distinct in some aspects from other revolutions. Erica Chenoweth also states that the digital revolution might foster a misleading impression by mobilising thousands to march in the streets.

In the section “Explaining the Present and the Unexpected,” Hetan Shah discusses the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on social and economic spheres, while Bruce Hood talks about supernatural attitudes or beliefs. Shah elucidates how the pandemic has shifted societal norms and behaviour. He also draws attention to the impact of these norms on human behaviour and the potential for fostering a fair society. Examining the pandemic from multiple angles – medical, social, and economic – deepens our understanding of human behaviour Shah emphasises that social sciences play a crucial role in unveiling how biases shape our thoughts and actions, addressing the social problems.

[Understanding Humans] provides readers with a compelling overview of exceptional research studies on how we think and act as individuals, and the social, economic, educational and political structures that we operate within.

Overall, the eclectic chapters in ‘Understanding Humans: How Social Science Can Solve Our Problems’ illuminate the profound role of social sciences in exploring and addressing social issues. This book serves as a valuable resource for a broad audience, being accessible and engaging for readers without prior knowledge or expertise in the fields drawn upon by the researchers. It provides readers with a compelling overview of exceptional research studies on how we think and act as individuals, and the social, economic, educational and political structures that we operate within.

The content generated on this blog is for information purposes only. This Article gives the views and opinions of the authors and does not reflect the views and opinions of the Impact of Social Science blog (the blog), nor of the London School of Economics and Political Science.  Please review our  comments policy  if you have any concerns on posting a comment below.

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About the author

Ulviyya Khalilova is a PhD student at University of Birmingham, UK. Her research focuses on cultural changes, values, identity, and social class within the contexts of Westernisation, modernisation, globalisation, and technological diffusion.

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10 reasons why we need social science

Reproduced with kind permission from the Campaign for Social Science .

We know that Britain’s social scientists are world leaders in their fields, but why do we need them? And if they weren’t around to analyse what’s going on, would you miss them? Audrey Osler suggests 10 reasons why you need social science:

1. Social scientists help us imagine alternative futures.

Social science can open up debate and give us a say in shaping our collective future. The social sciences developed as a field of study during the nineteenth century. Social science helped people understand the consequences and application of the new technologies of the age, such as steam power.

The growth of railways and factories not only transformed the economy and the world of work, but also changed forever the way people organised their family lives and leisure. Today nanotechnology and advances in medical research will have a significant impact on the way we live.

They present us with a bewildering range of ethical, legal and social issues. But it isn’t enough to rely on the scientists. We also need social scientists to analyse and critique what’s going on. That way we will make informed choices that shape the future.

The Proactionary Imperative: For more ideas on this topic Steve Fuller's books are a good place to start.

2. social science can help us make sense of our finances..

Social science is not just important for the future but for what’s happening now. We all resent paying to withdraw our money from cash machines. Charges can amount to £120 per year. Social scientists working on behalf of the Runnymede Trust found that this doesn’t just this depend on where we live, but that black and minority ethnic people are more likely to live in areas where they’re forced to pay.

This put pressure on banks to ensure we all have access to machines that don’t charge. A range of social scientists – not just economists but also psychologists, sociologists and political scientists, for example ‐ can help us understand the economic crisis and weigh up decisions we make for ourselves and those which governments make on our behalf. Without this kind of analysis we may feel like pawns in a global game of chess.

With the knowledge and understanding that social science offers us, we will feel empowered to act for ourselves, and to influence decisions being made on our behalf.

Unequal Ageing in Europe: explores the gender pension gap across the 28 member states of the European Union, plus Iceland and Norway

3. social scientists contribute to our health and well‐being..

From sports sociologists to public health experts, from those interpreting medical statistics to those evaluating policies for our care in old age, social scientists are working hard to make sure that our health, leisure and social care services work to best effect.

Social geographers at the University of Sheffield, for example, have shown that those of us who don’t follow eating advice are not simply weak‐willed or ignorant. Our eating habits are influenced by a whole range of circumstances. Some apparently unhealthy choices may seem rational: if the person doing the shopping knows that others will simply not eat the healthy option and it will just go to waste, they may simply not buy it.

So it’s no good just giving people a booklet on healthy eating. Effective nutritional advice needs to be tailored to people’s everyday lives and contexts.

Long-Term Care in Europe: analyzes the key issues at stake in developing long-term care systems for older people in Europe.

4. social science might save your life..

Psychologists at the University of Liverpool spent time in a steel factory to work out what needs doing to create a safer environment. Accidents at work happen even in the best regulated companies that provide staff training and take all necessary precautions.

A top‐down imposed safety regime simply doesn’t work. It’s when people see unsafe work practices as unacceptable and take decisions as teams that workplaces become safer. Employers need to see people as individuals who take their lead from those with whom they identify. These principles have also been shown to work in crowd control.

When those responsible for crowd management at football matches are trained in techniques which take this into account, there’s virtually no trouble.

Adjudicating Employment: Rights compares and analyses institutions for resolving employment rights disputes in ten countries.

5. social science can make your neighbourhood safer..

One common myth is that if you take measures to reduce crime in one neighbourhood the criminals simply move on, leading to increased crime in another area. Sociologists at Nottingham Trent University worked closely with police to reduce crime through a method involving scanning for crime patterns.

They were able to identify patterns that regular police work had not picked up, so avoiding guess work and lost time. A technique called situational crime prevention developed by the same team is now regularly used by the police, working with the public and private sectors to prevent crime. Together they make things more difficult for would‐be criminals.

For example, in one area there was a serious problem of lead being stolen from community building roofs. By working with dealers in the scrap metal market, and persuading them to keep records, it then became too risky to buy what might be stolen lead.

The Handbook of Security, 2nd edition: is the most comprehensive analysis of scholarly security debates and issues to date.

6. we need social scientists as public intellectuals..

British society is sometimes said to be anti‐intellectual. Yet in our fast changing world, there is a place for the social scientist as public intellectual. This doesn’t have to be a succession of boring grey talking heads, such as you can find on French TV any night. That’s enough to cause anyone to start channel surfing. Social scientists have a duty to make their work interesting and engaging to the rest of us.

They need to explain not only why social science is relevant but do it in a compelling way. Then we will want to listen, read and find out more. Perhaps more social scientists will have to become active listeners, talking more often to the public, each other and to scientists.

Then we can get all the disciplines around the table together. In a knowledge‐based world, we need people who can integrate a variety of different types of knowledge, and that come from different intellectual roots and from a range of institutions to work together.

The Price of Public Intellectuals: is an historically-informed survey critically outlining sociological, psychological, political, and economic approaches to the role of public intellectuals.

7. social science can improve our children’s lives and education..

All societies and all governments want to show they are dong the best for children. Yet too often education reform seems to take place without regard for the best interests of the learners. Education research shows that many parents, particularly parents of younger children, are more concerned that their children enjoy school, than that they are academic stars.

By working with students of all ages to understand their perspectives on schooling, researchers at the universities of Cambridge and Leeds have discovered new insights into what makes effective schools, and what makes for effective school leadership.

We just need to listen to children, provide structured opportunities for them to give their views, and prepare adults to really listen. Today even OFSTED, the school inspection service, has to listen to children’s viewpoints.

Informal Education, Childhood and Youth: emphasises how geography – space and place – matter to informal education practices, through a range of examples.

8. social science can change the world for the better..

We can generally agree that world needs to be a safer place where all people can enjoy basic dignity and human rights. This is the case even when we can’t always agree on what we should do to make this happen. Social scientists working in interdisciplinary teams have made their mark in the area of human welfare and development.

They are concerned with the social and economic advancement of humanity at large. They work with government institutions, UN organisations, social services, funding agencies, and with the media. They are influencing the work of strategists, planners, teachers and programme officers in developing and growing economies, like India, to influence development so that it impacts on the lives of the poorest members of society. For example, social scientists from the Delhi School of Economics are cooperating with colleagues at SOAS, University of London to explore the impact of legislation in India to guarantee minimum wages for rural unskilled manual labourers on the loves of women.

They found the new law provided opportunities for some women to become wage earners where none had existed before, reducing the risk of hunger and the chances of avoiding hazardous work. But they also identified barriers to women benefitting from the changes, including harassment at the worksite.

Those working in development studies are then able to support women’s ability to benefit by looking for creative solutions to such problems.

Why the Social Sciences Matter: provides an illuminating look at topics of concern to everyone at the beginning of the twenty-first century.

9. social science can broaden your horizons..

For debates about feminism, peace, ecology, social movements, and much more, social science offers each of us new perspectives and new ways of understanding. Whether your idea of relaxation is visiting a museum, watching soaps, or chatting online, social science encourages a fresh look at our everyday activities and culture.

Social scientists at the University of Leicester are making an impact on museums across the world, with the goal of making them more inclusive, abler to challenge prejudices, inspire learning and be more relevant in contemporary society.

One example is their work with the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow to involve local communities and international visitors alike in engaging with exhibitions on a range of social justice issues from sectarianism to gay rights, through programmes including arts workshops and residencies.

Radical Feminism: is a radical and pioneering feminist manifesto for today's modern audience written by one of the cornerstones of today's feminist scene.

10. we need social science to guarantee our democracy..

Social science offers multiple perspectives on society, informs social policy and supports us in holding our politicians and our media to account.

The Centre for the Study of Global Media and Democracy at Goldsmith’s College, London is monitoring how transformation from traditional to digital media is examining the move away from traditional journalism and politics to where we as citizens try to be community journalists, presenting our own accounts on‐line. The work brings together specialists in media and communications, sociology and politics.

Individual citizens may feel empowered by this but there are risks in turning away from traditional journalism, including fewer opportunities for in‐depth analysis and critique of powerful interests. This work by social scientists is critical in protecting a modern and transparent democracy. Just think what might happen without it!

Social Movements and Their Technologies: explores the interplay between social movements and their 'liberated technologies'.

Copyright ©2015 campaign for social science unless otherwise noted., series of interest.

• Palgrave Macmillan Studies in Family and Intimate Life
• Crime Prevention and Security Management
• Work and Welfare in Europe

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