Social science research is a weapon against poverty – Study

Social science research has a real impact on the reduction of poverty and inequality, two key Sustainable Development Goals – a correlation that underscores the need to bolster research capabilities to generate research-driven, tailored solutions targeting challenges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

This was a key message of a study, “Leveraging social science research to combat poverty and inequality in the Middle East – A pathway to achieving SDGs 1 and 10”, published in Cogent Social Sciences on 5 March.

Authored by Chadi Azmeh, based at the International University for Science and Technology and the University of Kalamoon, Syria, and Hiba Darwich, based at the Syrian Virtual University in Damascus, the study argues that “extant literature has effectively documented the connections between research output and economic consequences” but that there is a “relative dearth” of research into how social science research can serve as a “vital catalyst” for targeted socio-economic interventions, particularly in the MENA region.

Policy interventions

The study says the motivation for conducting the research stems from an “urgent need to find effective policy interventions that can alleviate poverty and reduce inequality in the region, which remains one of the most unequal globally”.

The study notes: “This paper serves as a pioneering effort to illuminate a critical link between social research and socioeconomic enhancement, enhancing the discourse on social equity and sustainable growth in the MENA region.”

Scopus data from 15 Middle Eastern countries spanning 2000 to 2023 was used in the study. The data included the number of annual publications (quantity) and the number of citations (quality).

Poverty levels were measured using the poverty headcount ratio, which computes poverty as a percentage of the total population at US$2.15 per day; inequality was evaluated using the Gini index, a summary measure of income inequality.

Lead author Azmeh told University World News the research emphasises the “dual importance” of both the quantity and quality of social science research in driving interventions for poverty alleviation and inequality reduction in the MENA region.

“Policymakers should prioritise not only increasing research output but also enhancing its quality to ensure impactful socio-economic outcomes,” Azmeh said.

“MENA-based universities face significant challenges, including political instability, limited funding for social science research, and barriers to collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations.

“To address these issues, universities can foster multi-disciplinary partnerships, leverage international collaborations, and advocate for increased investment in social sciences to strengthen their research capabilities,” Azmeh said.

“Ultimately, a concerted effort among stakeholders, including academia, government, and civil society, is essential to translate research findings into actionable policies that effectively address the unique socio-political and economic contexts of the region,” Azmeh noted.

Key study outcomes

The analysis indicates that an increase in the quantity of research output correlates with a significant decrease in poverty. Significant results are also observed with respect to the quality of research, showing that higher citation counts are associated with even greater reductions in poverty levels.

Similar to poverty, the findings indicate a significant relationship between research output and inequality levels in the Middle Eastern context. The study showed that both the quantity and quality of research outputs are associated with reduced inequality, as expressed by the Gini index.

The study “uniquely expands on the existing consensus by contrasting measures of quality (citations) against quantity (publication counts), revealing that while both dimensions yield significant associations, their magnitudes and operational implications diverge”.

The study argues: “This dual evaluation presents a nuanced perspective often overlooked in previous enquiries, which predominantly focus on singular metrics of research output and their impact on economic growth.”

Based on the findings, “the quality of research output in social sciences emerges as a more potent driver in combating poverty relative to the quantity of such output, suggesting that the depth and impact of research are critical in formulating effective interventions.

“Conversely, while both dimensions of research output demonstrate a significant influence on reducing inequality, their effects appear to be relatively comparable”.

Scholarship and emancipation

The study advocates for a “paradigm shift” in policy, emphasising the need for investment in high-quality research to enhance sustainable socio-economic development in the region.

“Establishing robust partnerships can enhance the relevance and applicability of research to real-world issues, thereby fostering innovative solutions to poverty and inequality,” the authors write.

“For instance, joint initiatives can lead to the development of comprehensive policies tailored to local contexts, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Furthermore, such collaborations can promote the dissemination of best practices derived from research, ensuring that evidence-based findings inform strategies across various sectors,” the note.

Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, a professor in global thought and comparative philosophies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, told University World News that the study “reconfirms the link between academic scholarship and social emancipation”.

Adib-Moghaddam explained: “Undoubtedly, there needs to be more international collaboration with scholars of West Asia and North Africa to exchange knowledge about the region and to collaborate based on the most progressive theories and methodologies in the social sciences,” Adib-Moghaddam said.

“Colleagues and I have been spearheading many initiatives to that end. However, some of the authoritarian settings in the region hamper the flow of such scholarship, especially in the social sciences.

“This is ironic because it is exactly the social indicators that are problematic.”

Underfunded and underprioritised

Professor Atta-ur-Rahman, a UNESCO Science Prize laureate and former coordinator general of the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, or COMSTECH, of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which includes MENA countries, described the MENA region as a diverse and resource-rich area facing significant socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, political instability, inequality, and environmental degradation.

“Addressing these issues requires evidence-based policies and innovative solutions, which can only emerge through robust social science research,” he said.

Atta-ur-Rahman said social science research in MENA was underfunded and underprioritised compared to natural sciences and engineering.

“High-quality and focused social science research has the power to transform societies, inform evidence-based policies, promote social justice, enhance governance, and foster sustainable development. Prioritising social sciences will unlock the MENA region’s full potential and pave the way for a brighter future,” he said.

Success stories

However, there were some notable social science success stories, he said, referring to the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon, which has established itself as a leading institution for social science research, producing impactful studies on refugee integration and public health.

Similarly, the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) has invested heavily in social sciences, funding projects on education reform and labour market dynamics in the Arab Gulf region.

“These examples demonstrate the potential for high-quality research when resources and institutional support are available,” Atta-ur-Rahman said.

“The Arab Council for the Social Sciences, based in Lebanon, is a successful example of regional collaboration, providing grants and fostering networks among researchers across the MENA region,” he noted.

He argued that leveraging technology and data could revolutionise social science research.

“Big data, artificial intelligence, and open data initiatives can enhance the quality and relevance of research, while online platforms can facilitate collaboration,” he said, describing the United Arab Emirates’ use of big data to analyse labour market trends and inform policy decisions as a successful example of such approach.

The Egyptian Center for Economic Studies was also noteworthy in its efforts to effectively bridge the gap between academia and practice, providing evidence-based recommendations on economic reform, he said.

“Focusing on local and indigenous knowledge is equally important, as grounding research in local realities produces more relevant and impactful insights,” Atta-ur-Rahman said.

“For instance, Jordan’s research on traditional water management practices has informed modern policies to address water scarcity.

“In conflict-affected areas, social science research can contribute to peace-building and conflict resolution by understanding the root causes of tensions and fostering social cohesion.

“For example, research on intergroup relations in post-war Lebanon has provided valuable insights for reconciliation efforts,” he stated.

Atta-ur-Rahman said that sustainable development required balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.

“Social science research can explore the social dimensions of sustainability, such as community resilience and the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations,” he noted.

Describing youth empowerment as “another critical area”, he said that research on education, employment, and civic engagement could guide initiatives to create opportunities and foster a sense of belonging.

“The Silatech initiative in Qatar, which focuses on youth employment and entrepreneurship, is a successful example of research-driven policy implementation,” Atta-ur-Rahman said.