Over the past twenty years social sciences have become global. They are taught almost everywhere. Their research results are now widely disseminated. Social science expertise is in high demand by policy-makers, media and the public, and social science concepts and theories influence public opinion and debate more than ever before. However the 'knowledge divides' that characterize much of current social science's production, access and use threaten the role of social science expertise and undermine the capacity of policy-makers and civil society to address current challenges. Worldwide poverty, inequality and climate change are among the current major challenges to which social sciences should contribute a response. More and better social science is vital. To cope, capacity must be built, particularly in the regions where social problems are most acute and social science systems most anemic.
This Report provides a comprehensive review of the state of the social sciences in the world.
