RECONCEPTUALIZING SOCIAL SCIENCES

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
Dr. Moonis Ahmar
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
The State ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Time Line ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Societal Changes

Transformation in the discipline of Social Sciences is a global phenomenon but in the post-colonial societies it means two things. First, far reaching societal changes resulting into the emergence of new fields in Social Sciences fulfilling new conditions and requirements of society. Second, the growing need and relevance of Social Sciences research so as to address issues which cause serious societal changes. Marginalization of Social Sciences and social scientists in case of Pakistan is not a new phenomenon. There cannot be any time line which can be given for modernizing Social Sciences in Pakistan which can meet the criteria and standards of 21st century. Yet, those who teach and do research in different subjects of Social Sciences must come forward and play a leadership role in this regard. This would require a paradigm shift in the arena of admitting students and appointing faculty so that the best stuff both at the student and faculty level is motivated to join the subjects of Social Sciences in order to ensure quality control and standard which seem to have deteriorated in the last four decades is restored. By attracting the best talent in the subjects of Social Sciences one can expect positive transformation in the state and societal patterns of Pakistan.

Social Sciences in Contemporary Turkey

1971 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-82
Author(s):  
Walter F. Weiker
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Social Research ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
The State ◽  
Previous Article ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Time Space ◽  
Growing Body

In a previous article I sought to appraise the field of Turkish studies, for the most part among western (predominantly American) scholars (MESA Bulletin, Vol. 3, No. 3, October 15, 1969). To fill out the picture, it is appropriate to also view the state of social research among the rapidly growing body of Turkish teachers and researchers. This article is not, however, a direct parallel to others in the MESA “State of the Art” series, in that it is not basically bibliographical. Such a review would require far more time, space, and knowledge in depth of several other social science disciplines than is currently available to me, because despite the remarks made below about problems of definition, the quantity and technical sophistication of work by Turkish researchers is quite large and is growing rapidly. Furthermore, since most of the research referred to below is in Turkish, the number of persons to whom a bibliographic review might be useful is quite limited. Instead, I think it would be more interesting to MESA members and other American social scientists to examine the characteristics and problems of what is probably one of the most vigorous social science communities in the “developing” countries, with a view (among other things) to helping facilitate increased cooperation between Turkish and American scholars in our common endeavors of advancing the state of knowledge.

The State of Social Sciences in Iran

1974 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Political Science ◽  
Social Problems ◽  
The State ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
The University

The term “social sciences” (‘ulūm-i-ijtimā’ī) has gained currency in Iran only during the last fifteen years or so, but some of the disciplines falling within its purview have been in existence for a longer period. Thus the first institution for teaching political science was established in 1899, and the first chair of sociology was created in 19 35 in the University of Tehran. Besides, iike Molière’s bourgeois gentillhomme who belatedly realized that he had been making prose all his life without being aware of it, some Iranian scholars too have long been engaged in writing, translating and conducting research on social problems or using sociological concepts without being conscious of themselves as social scientists.Since from a chronological viewpoint, political science appeared in Iran prior to other disciplines of social sciences and its studies involve problems of a distinct nature, the present paper is divided into two parts: the first dealing with political science, and the second with sociology and related disciplines.

scholarly journals Historicizing Precarious Work: Forty Years of Research in the Social Sciences and Humanities

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eloisa Betti
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Industrial Capitalism ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Precarious Work ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Social Sciences And Humanities ◽  
Multiple Origins ◽  
The Social ◽  
Sciences Sociales

AbstractThis survey article seeks to contribute to the understanding of the concepts of precarious work and precarization in the history of industrial capitalism by addressing the debate in the social sciences and humanities over the past forty years. Based on a gendered global approach, this article aims to offer a critique of the Global North-centric perspective, which largely conceives precarious work as a new phenomenon lacking a longer historical tradition. The first part discusses the multiple origins, definitions, and conceptualizations of “precarious work” elaborated with regard to industrial as well as post-industrial capitalism, taking into account selected contemporary sources as well as studies conducted by historians and social scientists. In the second part, the influence of different approaches, such as the feminist and post-colonial ones, in globalizing and gendering the precarious work debate is examined in their historical contexts, exploring also the crucial nexus of precarious work and informal work. In the conclusion, the limitations of the available literature are discussed, along with suggestions for further directions in historicizing precarious work from a global perspective.TRANSLATED ABSTRACTS FRENCH – GERMAN – SPANISHEloisa Betti.En historicisant le travail précaire: quarante ans de recherche dans les sciences sociales et humaines.Cette enquête tente de contribuer à la compréhension des concepts de travail précaire et de précarisation dans l’histoire du capitalisme industriel, en examinant le débat dans les sciences sociales et humaines durant les quarante dernières années. Sur la base d’une approche globale de genre, l’article entend proposer une critique de la perspective globale nordique, qui conçoit en grande partie le travail précaire comme un nouveau phénomène dépourvu d’une assez longue tradition historique. La première partie examine les multiples origines, définitions et conceptualisations du “travail précaire” élaborées à propos du capitalisme industriel et post-industriel, en tenant compte de sources contemporaines sélectionnées et d’études conduites par des historiens et spécialistes des sciences sociales. Dans la seconde partie, l’influence de diverses approches, telles que les approches féministes et post-coloniales, mondialisant et générisant le débat sur le travail précaire, sont examinées dans leur contexte historique, tout en étudiant également le lien crucial du travail précaire et du travail informel. En conclusion, les limitations de la littérature disponible sont examinées et assorties de suggestions d’orientations ultérieures pour historiciser le travail précaire dans une perspective globale.Traduction:Christine Plard

Simulation in Social Sciences

2007 ◽  
pp. 90-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Axelrod
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Simulation Model ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
The State ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Third Way ◽  
Simulation Research ◽  
The Social

Advancing the state of the art of simulation in the social sciences requires appreciating the unique value of simulation as a third way of doing science, in contrast to both induction and deduction. Simulation can be an effective tool for discovering surprising consequences of simple assumptions. This chapter offers advice for doing simulation research, focusing on the programming of a simulation model, analyzing the results, sharing the results, and replicating other people’s simulations. Finally, suggestions are offered for building a community of social scientists who do simulation.

The Decentring Agenda: Europe as a post-colonial power

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Fisher Onar ◽  
Kalypso Nicolaïdis
Keyword(s):  
International Relations ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
International Politics ◽  
Colonial Power ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Normative Power ◽  
Eu Project ◽  
European Agency ◽  
The Eu

The aim in this contribution is to amplify the call, articulated across a range of disciplines relevant to international politics, for a paradigm shift that decentres the study and practice of Europe’s international relations. Such a perspective is necessary both to make sense of our multipolar order and to reconstitute European agency in a non-European world. The analytical categories proposed in this article for a decentring agenda – provincialization, engagement and reconstruction(s) – can help to navigate the nexus of the empirical and the normative in such a decentring process. Applying the decentring logic to the EU’s own foundational narrative, the authors suggest that, only by acknowledging the inflections of colonialism in the EU project itself, can the Union reinvent its normative power in the 21st century.

Uses and Abuses of “State and Civil Society” in Contemporary Turkey

1998 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael Navaro-Yashin
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Social Movements ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Public Discourse ◽  
The State ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
The Social ◽  
State And Society ◽  
Social Scientific

The categories of “state” and “civil society” have too often been used as oppositional terms in the social sciences and in public discourse. This article aims to problematize the concepts of “state” and “civil society” when perceived as separate and distinct entities in the discourses of social scientists as well as of members of contemporary social movements in Turkey. Rather than readily using state and society as analytical categories referring to essential domains of sociality, the purpose is to transform these very categories into objects of ethnographic study. There has been a proliferation of discourse on “the state” and “the civil society” in Turkey in the 1980s and 1990s. This article emerges out of an observation of the peculiar coalescence of social scientific and public usages of these terms in this period. It aims to radically relativize and to historically contextualize these terms through a close ethnographic study of the various political domains in which they have been discursively employed.

Bihari Identity: An Uncharted Question

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-342
Author(s):  
Jyoti Verma
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Social Justice ◽  
Middle Class ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Caste Differentiation ◽  
The State ◽  
Political Ambition ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Unfair Treatment ◽  
Indian Identity

Sources of multidisciplinary social sciences were consulted for understanding the Bihari identity narrative. Bihar’s glorious history and landmark events of 100 years (1912–2012), were briefly examined. Observations and sparse empirical findings were used for presenting the Bihari identity discourse. Seemingly, the identities ‘fighter’ and ‘revolutionary’ resulted from the land’s rebellious background while unfair treatment during colonial and post-colonial rules conferred the identity ‘poor and backward’ to the state. Difficult conditions kept Bihar’s population on move and Biharis became identified as ‘migrants’. Lalu–Rabri’s regime (1990–2005) thoroughly tarnished the state’s image while feudal mentality, caste differentiation, political ambition and collective power of the oppressed constituted the identities ‘criminals’ and ‘violent’. Empirical evidence indicates that the struggling middle class wanted power was competitive and untrusting. Nevertheless, Biharis were sensitive towards others’ feelings, cared for relationships, were intelligent, hardworking and patient. An insider finds elements of simplicity in Bihari people’s attire and etiquette but also perceive them to be undisciplined, socially irresponsible and tolerant towards corruption. However, Bihari identity was in transition; backward caste was in power, social justice and development were utilized as power managing strategies and urban Biharis were opting for capitalist culture. Although Bihari identity remains tied to caste and subregions, it seems to be a subset of Indian identity.

A Survey of Concurrent Engineering Design Practice in the Australian Automotive and Maritime Industries

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren F. Smith ◽  
Troy M. Anforth ◽  
Andrew M. Crane
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Concurrent Engineering ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
The State ◽  
Design Practice ◽  
Current Design ◽  
State Of Practice ◽  
State Of Research

Abstract It is our contention that engineering design in the 21st century requires a holistic systems approach that is flexible, adaptable and able to cope with change. Such an approach would draw on integrative design philosophies such as concurrent engineering. This paper presents a review of current design practice within two major Australian engineering sectors in an effort to benchmark the “state of practice” and allow for some assessment of the paradigm shift perceived to be required to take it to the “state of research” with respect to concurrent engineering.

Foucault’s End of History: The Temporality of Governmentality and its End in the Anthropocene

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Specific Form ◽  
The State ◽  
Deep Time ◽  
End Of History ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Geological Concept

Michel Foucault’s concept of governmentality is widely used throughout the social sciences to analyse the state, liberalism, and individual subjectivity. Surprisingly, what remains ignored are the repeated claims made by Foucault throughout his seminal Security, Territory, Population lectures (2007) that governmentality depends more fundamentally on a specific form of time, than on the state or the subject. By paying closer attention to Foucault’s comments on political temporality, this article reveals that governmentality emerged from, and depends upon, a very specific cosmological order that experiences time as indefinite: what Foucault calls our modern ‘indefinite governmentality’. This is elaborated here in three ways. First, by reviewing the transformation from a linear Christian cosmology to our modern indefinite governmentality through what Foucault calls the ‘de-governmentalization of the cosmos’. Second, by arguing that our experience of indefinite temporality was concretised by the geological discovery of ‘deep time’. Third, by engaging a contemporary geological concept that returns humanity to its lost cosmological centrality, thereby re-governing the cosmos: the Anthropocene, or the ‘human epoch’. Analysed using indefinite governmentality, Foucault’s forewarning of an ‘end of history’ is implicit in the new concept of the Anthropocene’s origins and ends. If it is the paradigm shift its proponents claim, then it threatens to end the temporality of the state, the subject, and governmentality itself.

Staatsdenken

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rüdiger Voigt
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Cultural Studies ◽  
Arab World ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Current Theory ◽  
The State ◽  
State Collapse ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Research Institutes ◽  
Ancient Times

This compilation presents both a comprehensive explanation of the current theory of the State and a highly detailed examination of the contributions of the most eminent political thinkers and the most important trends in state philosophy to today’s understanding of what the idea of ‘State’ refers to. In this work, renowned philosophers, historians, and experts in social sciences, cultural studies and law from universities and research institutes throughout Europe present a multifaceted examination of state philosophies from ancient times to post democracy in fifteen equally weighted chapters. Each chapter is based on a specific focus, beginning with classical and conservative state philosophies, and stretching from liberal and feminist thinking to anarchist and religious ideologies. This book places a great deal of emphasis on the underlying principles of states in other cultures, including China, India, the Arab world and post-colonial Africa. The book’s concluding observations on the idea of the State of the future outline the problems of loss of sovereignty, state collapse and post democracy against a backdrop of globalization, economization and individualization. Contributions by: Helga Albrecht, Andreas Anter, Olaf Asbach, Friedrich Balke, Ernst Baltrusch, Michael Becker, Hannah Bethke, Karl-Heinz Breier, Michael Brie, Norbert Campagna, Lars Distelhorst, Sabine Doyé, Dominik Finkelde, Oliver Flügel-Martinsen, Alexander Gantschow, Eva Geulen, Gerhard Göhler, Dieter Grimm, Martin Gronau, Gregor Hain, Hendrik Hansen, Leonhard Harding, Oliver Hidalgo, Wilhelm Hofmann, Frauke Höntzsch, Dana Ionescu, Matthias Jestaedt, Dirk Jörke, John Kannankulam, Stefan Koslowski, Oliver W. Lembcke, Rochus Leonhardt, Roland Lhotta, Mathias Lindenau, Marion Löffler, Gundula Ludwig, Günter Maschke, Jean-Christophe Merle, Dominique Fabian Miething, Andreas Niederberger, Claudia Opitz-Belakhal, Henning Ottmann, Gregor Paul, Thore Prien, Walter Reese-Schäfer, Claudia Ritzi, Samuel Salzborn, Stefano Saracino, Birgit Sauer, Peter Seyferth, Thomas Schölderle, Hans-Martin Schönherr-Mann, Ulrich Seeber, Veith Selk, Harald Sippel, Tine Stein, Kazuhiro Takii, Ulrich Thiele, Andreas Vasilache, Rüdiger Voigt, Christian Wendt, Stefanie Wöhl, Joachim Wurst, Holger Zapf and Barbara Zehnpfennig.

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