Global social science discourse: A Southern perspective on the world

Abstract

The relationship of social science and society is actively under discussion today in processes of social identity-making in the world at large. This article explores how, in different contexts, powerful institutions such as universities, disciplines, states, and more recently, a varied array of social movements struggle to define principles by which to determine which knowledge holders should be included, and on what terms, within social science. The analysis starts by reviewing the dominant discourse about academic social science and speculates on some of the factors influencing it, which are contingent upon the social relations and identities built around it in the setting of a powerful institution such as the university. Next it refers to the community of practice that grew around development thinking and practices since the early 20th century, mainly in governmental and nongovernmental institutions, aiming at social intervention. Finally, the analysis identifies the huge world expansion of social science in recent decades and its implications in the era of globalization. In view of persisting asymmetries and inequalities, this article asks about the possibility of alternative ways of practicing research. It suggests the need for a comparative frame that would foster organic interconnections between multiple voices and nourish a diversity of approaches.