Social Sciences

Publication of SCSS Science Position Paper

VITAL QUESTIONS
The Contribution of European Social Science

Vital Questions describes the current state and future prospects of the social sciences in Europe. Written, edited and reviewed by leading social scientists, it contributes to the public understanding of scientific research – much of it supported by the European Science Foundation and its Member Organisations – and of the contribution that social science is making and can make in future to the solution of challenges of vital importance to the people and societies of Europe. Download

The social sciences are key to the understanding of many of Europe’s societal issues such as the balance between economic growth and impact on the environment. In other words the social sciences examine what it means to be a social being, ranging from the minutiae of human behaviour and brain functions, to large scale social movements, demographics, economics and politics.

The ESF aims to advance social sciences on a European level by supporting innovative research ideas and approaches driving from the scientific community. The Social Sciences encompass a range of disciplines that examine and explain human functioning on a variety of interlocking levels, ranging from neural foundations to individual behaviour, group processes and the functioning of entire societies.

The Social Sciences cover the following fields:

^{The Science Position Paper looks in particular at Challenges and Opportunities for the Social Sciences in Europe and examines important themes:}

^{The Macroeconomy}
^{Social and Economic Inequalities}
^{Tackling Social Inequalities in Health}
^{The Ageing of the European Population}
^{Challenges Facing the Educational System}
^{The Janus Face of Migration in Europe}
^{Globalisation, Governance and Democratic Deficit}
^{Europeanisation and its Challenges}
^{Regional Inequalities and the Role of Social Science}
^{Social Aspects of Climate Change}
^{The Socio-Economic Impact of Innovation Research}

^{The initiative for and the development of this Science Position Paper has been coordinated by Professor Sir Roderick Floud, Chair of the Standing Committee for the Social Sciences.}

European Science Foundation

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Publication of SCSS Science Position Paper

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