NCJ Number
231314
Date Published
2010
Length
443 pages
Annotation
This report by the International Social Science Council highlights a range of important issues and trends in the organization of social sciences worldwide, compiling a wealth of new knowledge and data on areas not well addressed in the international literature.
Abstract
The report emphasizes how little social science knowledge the social sciences have about themselves. Studies of science, its mechanisms, and its effects have always been the concern of social sciences; however, it is time for more self-knowledge about the conditions of the social sciences and how they can be strengthened. This report outlines the topics that would contribute to a better understanding of how social science knowledge is produced and used in different part of the world. The report also notes that data on the number of social science researchers in the countries of the world and over time are not consistent. In addition, data on the international circulation of social scientists and their ideas are insufficient. Suggestions for future action to address these issues are addressed to international bodies, funding agencies at national and international levels, to governments, and to major academic institutions concerned with overcoming knowledge divides. Suggestions focus on funding to support research institutions and individual training, as well as the technology needed to support equal access to the most important national and international journals in social sciences. It is also essential to reinforce multilingualism among social scientists, especially those in the global North. International digital databases are essential for overcoming knowledge divides between different areas of the world. More than ever before, social sciences are indispensable for understanding today's world and for effectively addressing current and future global challenges. Due to significant disparities in research capacity and to knowledge fragmentation, the social sciences are not prepared to fulfill their role to full potential. 28 tables, 28 figures, appended bibliographical databases and repositories, and a subject index