From the Consortium of Social Science Associations series, "Why Social Science?"

Because Our Work Helps Us Envision and Build a Better Future

By Heather M. Washington, PhD (American Sociological Association)

"We live in an era of rapidly expanding economic inequality, humanitarian crises, chaotic deportation efforts, the militarization of U.S. cities, global conflicts and wars, burdensome labor practices that undermine work-life balance, and continued attempts to erode rights and protections of women, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ people. We also face ongoing environmental catastrophes, with additional consequential environmental challenges looming on the horizon. Social science provides a window to understand such issues and offers tools that can help us create more equitable policies to address these social problems. Every day, sociologists and other social scientists put research into action and ideas into impact in ways that help improve our collective future and build pathways toward more just outcomes. 

"Sociology is the scientific study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. It offers a valuable lens through which contemporary social issues can be viewed, and by which historical connections can be evaluated. As a sociologist, I understand that equitable and just policies require collaboration among researchers, community members, and policymakers. Sociologists have the tools needed to study social phenomena. Community members provide real-world expertise and experience that is critical for understanding social issues. Policymakers wield the levers of change. Working together as researchers, community members, and policymakers is foundational to the discipline as evidenced by the influential and impactful work of pioneering sociologists. Sociologists working in and beyond the academy have continued this historical legacy, helping to create research-informed policies."

Read the full essay on the COSSA website