THE POLICY SCIENCES AND PROBLEM-SOLVING

In: Social science quarterly, Band 52, Heft 1, S. 157-169

Abstract

A discussion of the new discipline of 'policy sci's' in the context of the increase in scope, number, complexity, & importance of soc problems. The focus is on whether soc sci is capable of bringing about signif soc change by deliberate soc planning & the issues raised by soc sci involvement in problem solving. Of special interest are the dilemma of reconciling planning with freedom, soc control with the integrity of the individual, & the past neglect of res on class antagonisms & conflicts in US society. 2 scholarly efforts are referred to in detail: D. P. Moynihan, MAXIMUM FEASIBLE MISUNDERSTANDING: COMMUNITY ACTION IN THE WAR ON POVERTY (New York, NY: Free Press, 1969); & R. S. Lynd (see SA 0103/B7466). While Moynihan rejects the idea that soc sci is capable of bringing about signif soc change be deliberate soc planning, his support of proposals for a Council of Soc Advisors clearly raises that very possibility. In considering the problems which he felt to be neglected by soc sci'ts, Lynd identified a broad range of problems from ideological to procedural, from broad soc issues to needed areas of academic res. He & Moynihan both show awareness of the dangers of soc intervention & soc control. There is also the need for soc sci'ts to improve the analytical apparatus of their discipline. It is noted that 'soc sci res has a typically conservative cast, in that it is usually res done in the service of the Establishment.' Most soc sci is culture-bound to advanced societies. Its soc programs must not be hastily applied to developing countries before there is adequate knowledge of the specifics of these countries. M. Maxfield.