Social Sciences

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

FAS Overhaul Brings Deep Cuts to Social Sciences, Phillips Brooks House

After a final round of layoffs, University leaders say 165 staff jobs were eliminated across the division.

by Lydialyle Gibson

The Loneliness Pandemic

As the country isolates, are we all alone?

by Jacob Sweet

Benjamin Friedman on faith and American socioeconomic policy

How faith shapes economic and social policy

Fredrik Logevall, “JFK: Coming of Age…” excerpt

An unusual senior thesis

Asset bubbles and credit growth precede financial crises.

Contrary to expert belief, some financial crises can be predicted—and perhaps averted.

by Jonathan Shaw

Paul Farmer on the West Africa Ebola Epidemic

The 2014 epidemic was rooted in centuries of exploitation and war, Paul Farmer argues.

by Jonathan Shaw

Ask a Harvard Professor with Rebecca Henderson

How to reform capitalism to confront climate change and extreme inequality, with economist and McArthur University Professor Rebecca Henderson

At Home with Harvard: Election Day

In a year like no other, read a selection of Harvard Magazine stories on the forces that will shape the presidential election outcome. 

Seasonality of the SARS 2 Coronavirus

Seasonality and SARS-CoV-2

by Jonathan Shaw

Ask a Harvard Professor with Caroline Buckee

Anonymized location data can help guide strategies for protecting public health in a pandemic.

National Academy of Medicine Elects New Members

More than a dozen Harvard faculty members are honored. 

by Jonathan Shaw