Social Sciences

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

America’s National Parks Are a $56 Billion Economic Engine

Harvard’s Linda Bilmes on measuring the economic value of public lands

by Olivia Farrar

Harvard Education School Dean Appointed

Nonie K. Lesaux transitions from interim to permanent dean.

by Nina Pasquini

Five Questions with Professor Peter Der Manuelian

Harvard professor of Egyptology on unsolved mysteries, cats, and the beauty of ancient craftsmanship

by Olivia Farrar

Galileo's Compass and the Art of Branding

How Galileo’s geometric and military compass helped him calculate his own ascent

by Nina Pasquini

Harvard's Tom Kane on Effective School Reforms

Tom Kane deploys data to help improve education.

by Nina Pasquini

Is Gambling Becoming a Public Health Crisis?

Responding to the explosive growth of online gambling and sports betting, a new report urges governments to regulate with public health in mind.

by Jordan Smith

Teen "Grind" Culture and Mental Health

Teens need better strategies to cope with lives lived partly online.

by Erin O’Donnell

Is Memory Connected to Creativity?

Harvard’s Daniel L. Schacter on how recreating past events can lead to divergent thought

by Olivia Farrar

Poet and lawyer Reginald Dwayne Betts on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy

Poet and lawyer Reginald Dwayne Betts on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy

by Lydialyle Gibson

Reassessing Punishments for Misdemeanors

In more misdemeanor cases, prosecutors should decline to proceed from the start.

by Max J. Krupnick

Sustainability and Food Production in Africa

Improved agricultural practices could cut methane emissions to zero.

by Nina Pasquini