Why scientists and engineers should study social science

Why should scientists and engineers learn social science? This question is often asked of and by scientists and engineers who focus on the natural sciences.

Social science is considered to have little relevance for those who work in laboratories and spaces dedicated to innovation and technological development, which are considered to be charged with natural science and devoid of social phenomena.

In colleges and universities where young minds receive disciplinary training, the natural sciences are segregated from social science, both intellectually and physically.

At the most, scientists and engineers will admit that studying social science helps in understanding the use and adoption of technology once it is launched in society.

But social science does not merely help understand the world that is external to innovation and technological advancement, it also helps reflect upon the processes underlying them. These processes are deeply embedded in broader social, economic and cultural contexts. They are not neutral, predetermined or objective.

In fact, there are several social, economic, technical and ethical choices and considerations involved in the process of technological development. This process includes understanding the laws of nature, applying knowledge to a social problem that has been identified and designing a product to address the problem.

Choices and considerations involve prioritising a social challenge for research,...

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