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

How Does Hate Spread?

Harvard symposium probes antisemitic, Islamophobic sentiments

by Max J. Krupnick

The Dark History Behind Chocolate

A Harvard course on the politics and culture of food

by Lydialyle Gibson

The Evolution of Human Fathers

Exploring the evolutionary biology of human fathers as caretakers

by Richard G. Bribiescas

What Does it Mean to be a Progressive Jew Today?

How should Progressive Jews reconcile the changing nature of Israel today as state and ideal?

Why Do Groups Hate?

Mina Cikara explores how people come into conflict, in politics and beyond

by Max J. Krupnick

Can Plants Sequestering Carbon Slow Climate Change?

How long will the world’s forests impound carbon below ground?

by Jonathan Shaw

Homelessness Is a Crisis of Public Health

In our fragmented system, loss of housing leads to mental and physical deterioration. Some new initiatives aim to connect the remedies.

by Lydialyle Gibson

How is Artificial Intelligence Being Taught at Harvard?

A new Harvard course on artificial intelligence teaches students how to use the tool responsibly.

by Jonathan Shaw

Private Equity in Medicine and the Quality of Care

Hundreds of U.S. hospitals are owned by private equity firms—does monetizing medicine affect the quality of care?

by Colleen Walsh

Universities in Public Debates

Institutional position-taking at Harvard and in higher education

by Jonathan Shaw