Main trends of research in the social and human ... - unesdoc - Unesco

The organization and financing of research 773
These figures are out of date and incomplete. Some more recent estimates for
1965 are:
Psychology
Sociology
Demography
150-200
100-1 20
50- 70
‘Research workers’ refers to professional staff employed in the research insti-
tutes and centres contacted. Excluded are considerable numbers of teachers in
the social sciences at the affiliated colleges.
30. The emphasis on economics shows the preoccupation with development.
It may also reflect the extent to which economics has been the most established
of the social sciences in British institutions serving as a model for Indian uni-
versities - Oxford and Cambridge and the London School of Economics and
Political Science. Both from the viewpoint of national problem-solving and of
the longer-term development of the social sciences, this emphasis may be a
wasting asset. Problems of development are unlikely to be fully understood or
resolved simply through the application of economic models.
31. The development of social statistics reflects the demands of ‘user-organiza-
tions’. They are drawn on in taking policy decisions. But lopsided growth in this
area as compared with others, such as sociology, may be dysfunctional, produc-
ing masses of facts divorced from concepts capable of serving as frameworks for
analysis and explanation.
32. The influence of the social and cultural situation of India is apparent in
the strength of anthropology as compared with sociology ahd psychology and
in the weight given to demography as a separate discipline.
33. There is no central body in India concerned with the planning and co-ordi-
nation of the social sciences. However, a committee has recently been appointed
to survey the field, rather as the Heyworth Committee did for Britain.
34. In the more general field of science policy, there are several consultative
bodies at central government level which bring together scientists, members of
Government and representatives of public and private enterprises or associa-
tions. Science policy has become a focus of controversy. This takes its point-of
departure from a dissatisfaction with the performance of Indian science, es-
pecially its impact on technological development. Demands have been made
in some quarters for a more co-ordinated system along Eastern European lines.
Progress has since been made with a co-ordinating council.
Senegal as a small reference country for Africa
35. As in Asia and Latin America, very little is going on in a number of coun-
tries, especially those which are politically disturbed. Nevertheless, more pro-
gress has been made than might be expected. Data from the special study which
was made of Senegal wil serve to bring this out.*Is Senegal is a regional base
for social science teaching and research in those parts of West Africa previously
under French colonial rule. The University of Dakar and its affiliated institu-
tions play a major role in this development. Dakar is also the location of a
United Nations body concerned with African economic development and plan-
ning.