Industries around the world are recognizing the value of social science graduates
Academics just held Asia’s very first Social Sciences Studies expo, bringing great minds together from across the continent to discuss the issues shaping social science education today. Some social scientists are hailing this event as a great milestone in promoting social sciences to Asian educational institutions, leaders, and students themselves.
If you’re a critical thinker who wants more from your education than technical skills-training, studying the social sciences is a great way to open your mind to the world’s most deep and interesting complexities. You can become a student of economics, demographic analysis, social psychology, political philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and even linguistics to participate in exciting engagement and analysis—the core processes of the social science industry.
Keep up with the industry’s cutting edge by reading about what we learned from Asia’s recent social sciences expo.
1. Social Sciences Studies Are Indispensable – And the World is Taking Notice
Kicking off at Pakistan’s Pak-China Friendship Center, Asia’s first ever Social Sciences Expo welcomed representatives from more than 30 colleges and universities to celebrate 2016 as the ‘Year of Social Sciences.’ It was organized by The Inter-University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences and the Jang Media Group in recognition of the great progress social science studies have made throughout the continent in recent times.
This event and its organizers are quick to advertise that Asia (and particularly, Pakistan) is embracing social science studies—recognizing the benefits it offers to academia and industry.
“In Pakistan during [the] last many years, disciplines related to science, technology, engineering have received the majority of investment and support from government and universities,” reports Islamabad News in their coverage of the event. “While these subjects are no doubt important, the importance of social sciences should not be ignored. In order to formulate effective solutions for society and to understand the implications of those solutions, a mix of both natural and social sciences will be required.”
2. Social Sciences Studies Have Great Influence on a Wide Range of Academic Areas
It’s true that the social sciences offer great collaborative potential with the natural sciences. That’s why at Shimer, our social sciences courses are taught alongside courses in the natural sciences, the aim being that our students will critically engage with and combine the two.
"Social science is engaged in collaborative cross-disciplinary work in diverse fields such as engineering, medicine, computing, biology, and mathematics,” Islamabad reports. “It is clear that no subject area can stand alone, walled off from the outside, and that social science can play an important role in all fields."
Expo speaker Dr. Ihsan Ali, professor and Vice Chancellor at Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan, said that because “social sciences focus on the study of society and the relationship among individuals within society,” they are greatly influential in managing many of the world’s most complex and challenging issues. He highlighted violent crime, alternative energy, and cyber security as modern social aspects that can be solved with the influence of those who study social sciences.
A student at Shimer engages in meaningful academic discussion
3. Social Sciences Studies May Help Promote Understanding in Sites of Conflict
A main takeaway from the expo was how social sciences studies can help to create a safer and more peaceful social climate in Pakistan and throughout Asia.
"Strengthening social sciences is vital for promoting peace, tolerance, and harmony," the Inter-University Consortium for the Promotion of Social Sciences. They discussed how the social sciences and humanities create well-rounded citizens who can contribute to the “cultured” and “moderate” society their people deserve.
It’s unclear what the future holds for social sciences in Asia. In Dr. Ali’s words: “There still is much work to be done to increase the level of support that they receive.” With passionate academics, professionals, and young scholars shining the spotlight on their importance in this expo and beyond, our hopes are high.
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