Social Sciences

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

Robert Coles Was Most at Home on the Playground

A colleague remembers the late Harvard professor and child psychiatrist, who died this month.

by Alex Harris

Bowen and McPherson, “Lesson Plan,” reviewed by Clayton Spencer

A focused briefing on degree-attainment, democracy, and economic opportunity

by Clayton Spencer

Sexual Violence in India’s Headlines

Joanna Jolly takes issue with rape coverage in the media.

by Aidan Langston

Are Hospital Pay-for-Performance Programs Failing?

Harvard researchers ask whether market incentives can improve healthcare. 

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

Harvard exhibition of Neolithic Chinese pottery

An exhibition of prehistoric earthenware deepens understanding of early Chinese cultures and communities.

by John S. Rosenberg

Welfare promotes entrepreneurship, says Gareth Olds of Harvard Business School

Welfare promotes entrepreneurship, finds HBS researcher Gareth Olds.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Emotional connections key to successful cross-disciplinary research

A new study finds that the most successful research teams are grounded in a group identity.

by Zara Zhang

Harvard Portrait: Dustin Tingley

Political scientist Dustin Tingley studies the politics of everyday life.

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

Super PACs and their effect on U.S. presidential politics

How super PACs actually shape U.S. presidential politics

by Idrees Kahloon

Radcliffe panelists dissect inequality and economic growth

A substantive discussion at this election-year Radcliffe Day

by John S. Rosenberg

Narrowing School Achievement Gaps

The Harvard Graduate School of Education launches “By All Means” initiative.

by Aidan Langston