Conveying sociological sciences

Social science includes methodological approaches that can be applied to any science, for example, most branches of logic and the experimental method, but characteristically of human or soft sciences it raises issues of emphasis between quantitative versus qualitative, and specialization versus generalization (i.e. systems, holistic, comparative or interdisciplinary approaches, etc.). Social science methodology also involves critical epistemological and ontological issues in arguing for or against the realities of the individual or the collectivity as agents or causal factors in societal phenomena.

UNESCO cooperates with academic institutions and research networks, especially those in developing countries, in order to promote regional and international research projects. Particular attention is paid to innovative methodological and conceptual approaches with a view to furthering development of disciplines such as history and geography and encouraging interdisciplinary research on contemporary conditions, the process of change in the developing countries, environmental issues and recent developments in communications.