Social Sciences

Explore faculty and student work in economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, and other disciplines shaping our understanding of society.

Why America’s Strategy For Reducing Racial Inequality Failed

Harvard professor Christina Cross debunks the myth of the two-parent Black family.

by Saima Sidik

Bruno Carvalho

An urbanist’s lifelong study of the “rhythm of cities,” from Rio to Cambridge 

by Nancy Walecki

Penny Pritzker Gives $100 Million for New Harvard Economics Facility

Landmark support for an eminently strong department

by John S. Rosenberg

Repatriating Native American Remains

Disputes over the disposition of sensitive collections shadow Peabody Museum

by Juliet Isselbacher

Why Some Citizens Reject Science

Bridging the gulf to science deniers

by Daniel Oberhaus

Nicholas Stephanopoulos

An election-law scholar and litigator zeroes in on political gerrymandering.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Commuting’s Impact on Creativity

Long commutes harm productivity and innovation.

by Erin O’Donnell

Governance Reform and Shared Value

Michael Porter on the new business agenda

by Juliet Isselbacher

The Layered Histories in Black Family Keepsakes

Tiya Miles traces a mother and daughter’s story through a cotton sack.

by Juliet Isselbacher

Re-remembering Juneteenth

Annette Gordon-Reed discusses her unusually personal book on the holiday.

by Lydialyle Gibson