Social Sciences

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

Smiling man in a black suit against a dark blue background.

Jason Furman to Lead Center for Business and Government

The new director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center bridges economic research and policy.

by Jonathan Shaw

Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung apply mindfulness techniques to eating

Applying ancient Buddhist mindfulness techniques to eating in the modern world

by Cara Feinberg

Harvard scholars and students fight HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

Harvard professors and students take aim at the social and behavioral factors that contribute to HIV.

by Elizabeth Gudrais

Ellen Langer at home, with her dogs and her own painting of a dog.

Mindfulness—the unconventional research of psychologist Ellen Langer

Psychologist Ellen Langer's unconventional research. Plus, read about applying mindfulness techniques to eating.

by Cara Feinberg

Lecturer on medicine Krista Dong directs iTEACH, a set of innovative initiatives to improve HIV care in South Africa. In the background is iTEACH deputy director Zinhle Thabethe.

Bridging traditional healing and modern medicine for HIV care in South Africa

From traditional healing to modern medicine, a multifaceted approach to HIV care in South Africa. With audio

The Beatrice Tierney Health Center, nestled in the mountains of eastern Uganda, serves Bumwalukani and surrounding villages.

In rural Uganda, Harvard students help a theater troupe teach about HIV.

Harvard students helps a theater troupe in Uganda teach about HIV.

At McCord Hospital in Durban, South Africa, the Sinikithemba ("We give hope" in Zulu) program gives HIV patients more than prescriptions and tests. It has also trained many in income-generating activities; this mosaic, created by HIV patients, is one example.

Small changes at a Durban hospital have a major effect on care for HIV patients.

Seemingly small changes at a Durban hospital have major effects on patient care.

In South Africa, examining HIV-positive adults' childbearing choices

Rethinking the conventional wisdom that HIV-positive adults should forgo having children

Students at Fezokuhle Primary School in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, get outside for a soccer break—and a lesson about gender roles.

Using soccer to teach South African teens about health and gender roles

South African teens learn about leadership and health through their country’s most popular sport.

With a loan from SHIP, Bashir Barigye and his wife, Hajara, have built a flourishing form and can afford school fees for their children.

Small loans for business help HIV patients in Uganda pay for treatment and food.

Small loans for business help HIV patients in Uganda pay for treatment—and food.

David Bangsberg (center) meets with Frederick Kayanja, vice chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Mbarara,Uganda, in Kayanja's office.

Fighting brain drain in sub-Saharan Africa by mentoring young scientists

Relationships with Harvard scholars bolster scientific research in sub-Saharan Africa.