Social Sciences: A Dying Fire

The social sciences are in a deep state of crisis due to uncritical use of empiricism and experimentation methods, internal fragmentation of knowledge, and exclusive emphasis on industrial societies. Recent evolutions have brought additional troubles, such as university reforms that prioritize expertise-oriented research, economic rationality, and occupational skill development. Kléber Ghimire calls for a new era of social sciences pedagogy, leaving natural sciences for humanities, and recognizing the value of culture as a crucial reservoir of social knowledge.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

The social sciences are currently facing a profound crisis that encompasses a wide range of issues. This crisis has its roots in several fundamental problems, including the uncritical adoption of empiricism and experimentation methods akin to the natural sciences, the division of knowledge into narrow disciplinary silos, and the exclusive focus on the experiences of industrial societies. These challenges have persisted over time and have been exacerbated by recent developments.

In this book, Kléber Ghimire delves into the effects of university reforms that prioritize expertise-oriented research, economic rationality, and occupational skill development. These reforms have led to the marginalization of the social and human studies, as they are perceived as less valuable in the eyes of policymakers and funding agencies. Ghimire examines the impact of these reforms on Europe, North America, and Asia, highlighting the ways in which they have contributed to the decline of these fields of learning.

However, the book does not suggest that the crisis of the social sciences can be attributed solely to these reforms. Instead, Ghimire argues that the crisis is a result of a broader set of factors, including the increasing commodification of education, the rise of neoliberalism, and the decline of public funding for research. These factors have led to a narrowing of the curriculum, a focus on vocational training rather than critical thinking, and a prioritization of short-term economic gains over long-term social and intellectual development.

To address this crisis, Ghimire calls for a new horizon for the social sciences. He advocates for a shift away from the dominance of the natural sciences and towards the humanities, recognizing the value of culture as a crucial reservoir of social knowledge. He also suggests the invention of a new era of social sciences pedagogy that emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary research, and the exploration of alternative perspectives.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the crisis facing the social sciences and offers a series of recommendations for addressing it. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of the crisis and advocating for a shift towards a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to learning, we can hope to revive the social sciences and create a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 160 x 239 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801170420