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COVID-19 and the social sciences

In: A Research Agenda for COVID-19 and Society

Author

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  • Steve Matthewman

Abstract

This chapter outlines the role of the social sciences in the time of COVID-19. The pandemic has led to a renewed appreciation of the social, and with this comes the prospect for the social sciences to gain greater relevance. The reasons why disasters lead to an increase in sociality are outlined, as are the activities that social scientists are particularly well-placed to undertake: speaking truth to power, calling out lies and sectional advantage, separating fact from opinion, assessing the consequences of political action, predicting social futures (saying how the world will be), assessing public opinion (saying how people would like it to be), and advocating for social justice (saying how the world should be). Social science work shows that another world is possible and that another world is desired. More significantly, it also shows how to bring this better world into being.

Suggested Citation

  • Steve Matthewman, 2022. "COVID-19 and the social sciences," Chapters, in: Steve Matthewman (ed.), A Research Agenda for COVID-19 and Society, chapter 2, pages 5-22, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:20657_2
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