Unlocking the secrets of society
I have been pondering a lot lately on the critical role that social science plays in our daily lives. Social science delves into the complex and intricate realm of human behaviour, society, and culture. But it can be overlooked by many or avoided as being something that is hard to understand, boring or something left to the experts. Yet, without realising it, we are using it, or discussing it in some shape or form in our everyday lives.
In fact, I used to be one of those people. I remember loving psychology and human behaviour (and still do) but hating economics at university. Yet, over the years, I have used it more frequently, and over time, have completely fallen in love with economics and its importance in social science more broadly. So much so, it’s part of mine (and Sparrowly Group’s) everyday work. I can’t get enough of it.
The importance of social science cannot be overstated. It provides us with insights into the complex tapestry of human society, helping us understand our behaviour, shape public policy, advocate for social justice, and foster global cooperation.
More broadly it enhances our global understanding and helps bridge gaps between different cultures and societies. It facilitates cross-cultural communication and cooperation by fostering empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.
If you’re sitting on the fence, or thinking what can you do to open your mind and heart to social science to not only make an impact in your work but in your approach to everyday life, here’s a place to start:
Be curious - Nurture your natural curiosity about the world and human behaviour. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to build a better appreciation into the factors that influence our choices and decisions. As we discuss later in our newsletter, a person who asks questions, remains a fool for only five minutes.
Be open-minded - You don’t have to have a university degree to appreciate and learn about the broad scope of social science, from psychology and sociology to anthropology and economics. What I have loved about this is how it has challenged many of my preconceived notions and biases. Social science often explores complex and nuanced issues, and being receptive to diverse perspectives is essential for meaningful learning. I noticed it recently on a couple of social occasions as I engaged in some really interesting discussions on topics from the Barbie movie, cultural norms through to the Voice to Parliament with others who have varying viewpoints. It made for a lively discussion and my brain was exploding and lots of perspectives to ponder.
Be practical - Social science has amazing practical applications. When faced with a problem to solve with lots of numeric data points, I like to take a step back and apply a broader social science lens across the situation. This is where stakeholder engagement is so important.
Social science is a journey of discovery and continuous learning. Embrace the process of exploring human behaviour and society, and don't be afraid to challenge your own assumptions. You might surprise yourself.
