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

The organization and financing of research 789
9. In the countries of Eastern Europe the split has been between the universi-
ties as carriers of the researchlteaching mix and the Academies of Sciences as
carriers of the research/application mix. Such a separation represents the type of
science policy to be expected in countries requiring simultaneously to develop,
from a narrow base, an extensive system of tertiary education and an advanced
research capability. The danger of maintaining the separation at the level
hitherto obtaining now that the bases themselves are widening has been recog-
nized.
IO. In the developing countries the social sciences are becoming perceived
as a critical resource for understanding and advancing the process of develop-
ment. Until recently problems of development had been approached too
exclusively in economic and technological terms. Repeated disappointment
with the results of programmes of technical and economic aid, and indeed of
internally sponsored plans, is creating a new climate. This is characterized by a
greater willingness to consider the complex interrelations which exist between
cultural, psychological and social-structural factors an4 economic and techno-
logical aspects. The ensuing situation is confronting the social sciences with
intensified demands to undertake ‘action concertke’ - through a route which
would give priority first to A, next to c, and thence to B type activities. In the
decades ahead the social rather than the natural sciences may take the role of
the leading part in the scientific affairs of developing countries.
Joint responsibility
I I. Questions of sharing scientific choice and taking professional responsibility
have been discussed in relation to problems of ‘gaining access’ to the heavily
defended areas of human activity and experience and of working with collaborating
clientele to achieve super-ordinate goals. Unless this is done matters
of central importance to human beings wil not be brought to the attention of
social scientists whose researches wil be restricted to matters on which little
‘value’ is placed. For central issues involve questions of values. All questions of
social (or personal) change, for example, involve questions of value. Either the
social scientist must abstain from their study or join with others in their pursuit.
They wil never be handed over to him for independent experimentation.
12. Acceptance of joint responsibility by the social scientist and his clientele
is the key. By actively participating in the research effort themselves the representatives
of the client systems can allow the social scientist also to take an active
role. This may alter the ‘appreciation’* of the problem. Consequent action
decisions remain with the client; consequent implications for theory with the
social scientist.
13. In this model the social scientist takes his place along with the other actors
in the starting conditions. By accepting the constraints of being ‘included’ he
gains the requisite degree of freedom to study processes of value-laden social
change while they are occurring. If he elects to stay out, he is forced back on
retrospective evidence. History by itself is not enough.
* For the concept of ‘appreciation’ see Sir G. VICKERS, The Art of Judgment - a
Study of Policy Making.166