Social Sciences

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

A bronze sculpture of intertwined hands in a park, with a discussion panel in the foreground.

Is the Constitution Broken?

Harvard legal scholars debate the state of our founding national document.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Eric Mazur says learning interests him far more than teaching, and he encourages a shift from "teaching" to "helping students learn."

Eric Mazur on new interactive teaching techniques

"Active learning" may overthrow the style of teaching that has ruled universities for 600 years.

by Craig Lambert

Harvard Business School survey weaker U.S. economic competitiveness

Harvard Business School issues sober survey on U.S. competitiveness.

Eric Nelson

Government professor Eric Nelson studies political theory

Profile of a Harvard government professor and political theory scholar

by Craig Lambert

From old money and new glitz (the glass Trump Tower) at Michigan Avenue, below, to a different life in the Near South Side, close to the Loop

Robert Sampson documents enduring neighborhood differences in Chicago

Sociologist Robert J. Sampson documents enduring neighborhood differences in Chicago.

John Briscoe discusses water as a platform for development (video)

Four Harvard students from four different disciplines discuss a summer spent in Pakistan investigating water-related issues.

When not dealing with major global water issues, John Briscoe manages this small dam near his home. He holds the hook used to open the sluice gate.

Water Security Initiative trains a new generation of multitalented specialists

John Briscoe tackles water insecurity around the world.

by Jonathan Shaw

protest in front of capital

Vanessa Williamson and Theda Skocpol study Tea Party conservatism

Theda Skocpol analyzes the politics and demographics of the Tea Party.

by Erin O’Donnell

Joshua Greene studies the scientific basis for moral decision-making

Brains scans reveal that In moral decision-making, people rely on emotion to guide choices in some situations and rationality in others.

by Peter Saalfield

Paul Lawrence, Harvard Business School professor, dies at 89

The pioneering professor at Harvard Business School died November 1 at age 89.

In Michael Norton's survey of wealth inequality perceptions and preferences, Harvard alumni—like other groups—estimated that wealth was more equally distributed in the United States than it actually is, and said they would prefer for it to be even more equally distributed than they estimated it to be. (Click on the thumbnails below to see charts for specific segments of the data.)

Harvard alumni share their wealth distribution preferences in an HBS survey

Michael Norton surveys Harvard alumni perceptions and preferences about wealth distribution.