Why social science matters

Ten percent of South Africa’s population gets 80 percent of the country’s income –we know that thanks to researchers in non-governmental organisations such as Oxfam, said Judge Navi Pillay. Such knowledge is empowering for civil society and policy makers as they address issues of inequality and injustice.

Judge Pillay was speaking at the World Social Sciences Forum on 13 September at the International Convention Centre, Durban. Pillay,first black woman judge of the High Court of South Africa, and High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014, this year became the 16th Commissioner of the International Commission Against the Death Penalty.

Science and grassroots researchers have a critical role to play in informing policy and shaping the response of countries and governments to events. “When a crisis comes along, governments look to social scientists for the Why,” said Pillay. The social sciences have a keener eye to the realities of most societies than their governments do – Pillay pointed out that when, as High Commissioner for Human Rights, she visited countries, it was like seeing “two worlds”: a flourishing world as seen by the government, and the real world as experienced by many citizens and observed by scientists and researchers working at the local level.

Pillay spoke on a panel chaired by Nick Perkins, director of SciDev, alongside development economist Professor Thandika Mkandawire, who is based at the London School of Economics where he holds the chair in African Development. African countries, social sciences have no formal support from their governments. Mkandawire made a call for social sciences to be empowered by funding, resources and support – with no strings attached. “Science serves society better when it is focused on seeking to understand society,” he said. If it is commissioned for short-term instrumental purposes tends to be of less value.

“Social sciences can cast light on things – but it can also mystify.”

For more information about WSSF, go to http://www.wssf2015.org/

Author: Sarah Van Der Ahee from HIPPO Communications.

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.