The Ignored Value of Social Sciences: A Case for Recognition

ali gunes

The University of New York Tirana

aligunes@unyt.edu.al

In contemporary capitalist consumerist societies, money and what brings money have become particularly important. Consumerism, unquestionably entwined with capitalism, visibly affects daily life in postmodern society, constantly shaping and reshaping social structures and institutions, along with habits, beliefs and identities, by imposing its hegemonic and controlling grip on individuals and group lives and behaviours. Suradech Chotiudompant (2013) argues that “consumerism is a crucial issue nowadays because we need to consume not only to meet our basic needs but also to satisfy our wants, which are increasingly complex and hard to distinguish from the former. We must consume…to create our identity, state our political standpoint, or quench our insatiable desires.” Consumerism, in the first place, is merely linked to the satisfaction of basic material needs and demands of everyday life in which individuals buy and consume certain goods and use services as part of their daily lives and in which individuals basically also tend to accumulate material goods for the future to secure their lives. In this respect, consumerism is defined and shown as an inevitable act and part of life in its usual routine way to sustain life activities by meeting our basic needs and satisfying our desires. In the second place, human identity in the advanced capitalist is re-refined: it is materialised and constructed by what people consume, the houses they own, the cars they drive, the clothes they wear, and so on. According to capitalism, therefore, the value of human beings is equated with money and material affluence with such expressions – “money is power”, “money talks”, “money opens all the doors”, and “money brings happiness”, which we all internalised one way or another.      

To buy and consume more, there have been growing tendencies and demands to earn more money in any conceivable way. One of these is to study medicine, engineering, architecture, and law. Families want their children to study these sciences, so they spend much money every year sending their children to the best schools at home and abroad to acquire the best degrees worldwide. In this sense, education is used not “to educate the heart of students”, not to change their manners and attitudes, not to give them moral and ethical values, not to think critically and analytically, but it is used to impart knowledge from the book to students in a robotic way. Thus, I assume this type of education produces opportunist, selfish and Machiavellian individuals to satisfy their greediness but not virtuous people to change the world and create a liveable and just society.

In this respect, social sciences or humanities, unlike natural, physical and medical sciences, often find themselves demoted to the periphery, overshadowed by the perceived rigour and prestige. This downgrading is unjust and detrimental to our understanding of the complex dynamics that govern human behaviour and societies. Despite their invaluable contributions to our comprehension of social phenomena, the social sciences often endure neglect and scepticism, even though they deserve more recognition. Let me share my opinions concerning the importance of social sciences.

First, the social sciences tackle the intricacies of human behaviour and societal structures in detail. Unlike the natural sciences, which often deal with phenomena that can be quantified and replicated in controlled settings, the social sciences grapple with multifaceted and ever-changing times, systems and perceptions. Unlike natural scientists, social scientists study human interactions, cultural norms, economic systems, political ideologies, and much more, all of which are inherently complex and difficult to predict with certainty in the natural sciences. For example, sociology examines how individuals are shaped by their outside forces and social environments and how societal structures influence behaviour patterns and identity. Psychologists delve into the intricacies of the human mind and inner life, investigating cognition, emotions, motivations, interpersonal relationships, and so on. Anthropologists explore the diversity of human cultures and societies, shedding light on our shared humanity and the variations throughout human history.

Apart from studying social fabrics and human behaviours, the social sciences are equally crucial in informing policy and decision-making processes. Governments, businesses, and organisations obviously rely on social scientific research to develop effective strategies and interventions. For instance, economists analyse market trends and propose policies to promote economic growth, alleviate societal poverty, and reduce regional and international inequalities. Political scientists study governance systems and electoral processes, not only providing insights into democratic principles and political stability but also creating a just, liveable, non-discriminatory, and peaceful society where all the citizens equally enjoy all the opportunities and advantages of life provided by the society. A notable example of the social sciences shaping policy is the field of public health. Epidemiologists track the spread of diseases and recommend measures to mitigate outbreaks, as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social workers address societal issues such as poverty, substance abuse, and mental health, advocating for policies that prioritise the well-being of vulnerable populations. Without the contributions of the social sciences, policymakers would lack the necessary understanding and knowledge to address pressing social challenges effectively.

Also, the social sciences foster a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and societal differences. Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives is essential for promoting social cohesion and global cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world. Anthropologists, for instance, conduct fieldwork in diverse communities across the globe, documenting unique cultural practices and traditions. Sociologists study the dynamics of multicultural societies, examining issues of identity, prejudice, and discrimination. Moreover, the social sciences challenge ethnocentrism and cultural biases by highlighting the richness of human experiences across different contexts. By recognising the importance of cultural diversity, societies can strive for inclusivity and equity, fostering environments where all individuals feel valued and respected.

Finally, but not limited to what is discussed above, the social sciences are indispensable for addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, globalisation, technological advancement, regional conflicts, racism, poverty, and war. These complex issues require interdisciplinary approaches integrating insights from various social science disciplines. For instance, environmental economists analyse the economic incentives for sustainable development, while sociologists study the social dynamics driving consumer behaviour and attitudes towards environmental conservation. Besides, the social sciences contribute to understanding the social impacts of contemporary technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence and social media, on human life and identity. For instance, Psychologists investigate the effects of digital technologies on mental health and well-being, while ethicists ponder the ethical implications of emerging technologies. By engaging with these issues from a social scientific perspective, societies can navigate the complexities of the modern world more effectively.

In conclusion, the social sciences are far from being irrelevant or insignificant, even though they do not bring much money. However, they offer invaluable insights into the complexities of human behaviour, societal structures, and global challenges. By recognising the importance of the social sciences, we can foster greater understanding, promote evidence-based policymaking, and create more inclusive and fair societies. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and complex, the contributions of the social sciences are more vital than ever. It is time to elevate their status and acknowledge their indispensable role in shaping our collective future.