As an applied clinical sociologist straddling the worlds of science and social science, the recent cuts to New Zealand’s Marsden Fund represent more than just budget adjustments—they signal a shift in the value placed on research that shapes the fabric of society. While evidence-based research with tangible economic, environmental, and health benefits is vital, the relegation of social sciences in this funding strategy risks weakening the societal foundations that underpin long-term prosperity.
Clinical Sociology: Bridging Numbers and Narratives
Clinical sociology goes beyond theoretical discourse to engage directly with real-world issues, blending data analysis with human experience. It’s a practice where social dynamics are dissected with precision, offering insights into both individual behavior and societal structures. In this role, I navigate between empirical research and societal narratives, translating complex human interactions into actionable policies that affect lives in boardrooms, communities, and government corridors.
Social science research is not abstract—it informs the very policies that shape our daily existence. Whether analyzing urban planning initiatives in Otago or contributing to public health strategies in Auckland, the social sciences offer a lens through which we understand how policies are experienced by the people they aim to serve.
The Economic Value of Social Well-Being
The Marsden Fund’s new direction focuses on economic growth, health, and environmental outcomes. However, by narrowing the scope of funded research, policymakers risk overlooking a crucial question: “how do we quantify the economic impact of social well-being?”
Social cohesion, safe communities, and mental resilience are not mere by-products of economic success—they are prerequisites. Policies informed by social research foster environments where people thrive, increasing productivity and societal stability. Cutting funds to social sciences jeopardizes these foundational elements, leading to fragmented communities and diminished well-being, both of which have direct economic consequences.
Māori Perspectives: Holistic Well-Being as a Model
Māori frameworks offer invaluable lessons in holistic well-being. Te Whare Tapa Whā, a model emphasizing physical, mental, familial, and spiritual health, underscores that societal well-being extends beyond individual prosperity. In Māori culture, nurturing the whenua/ land, community connections, and cultural identity is seen as essential to long-term health and economic resilience.
Neglecting social research is akin to ignoring the roots of a tree while focusing on its branches. Without robust social foundations, our society—and by extension, our economy—becomes vulnerable to systemic failure. The wisdom of tīpuna (ancestors) teaches us that economic and social prosperity are intertwined and must be nurtured together.
The Intersection of Science and Social Science
Consider urban planning aimed at enhancing quality of life. Is it science or social science? It’s both. Technical solutions derived from engineering and environmental science are necessary, but their success depends on how they impact and are perceived by communities. Social sciences provide the essential context for understanding community needs, ensuring solutions are both effective and equitable.
Take vaccine hesitancy as another example: addressing it requires a multidisciplinary approach combining epidemiology with sociology. Epidemiological models can predict virus spread, but without understanding societal attitudes, behavioral barriers remain. Excluding social science perspectives from such research diminishes the efficacy of public health interventions, resulting in avoidable human and economic costs.
Balancing Immediate Gains with Long-Term Resilience
The drive for economic growth and health outcomes should not come at the expense of societal well-being. A narrow, outcomes-driven research focus risks short-term gains while undermining societal cohesion. Economic prosperity is unsustainable without strong, supportive communities.
A balanced funding approach is essential—one that recognizes the symbiotic relationship between the hard sciences and social sciences. Research in social well-being doesn’t just complement economic initiatives; it fortifies them. Strong communities create resilient economies, and resilient economies sustain strong communities.
Conclusion: Investing in Aotearoa NZ’s Future
The Marsden Fund cuts reflect a concerning trend: the undervaluation of research that doesn’t immediately translate into economic metrics. Yet, the true strength of Aotearoa New Zealand lies in its people, its communities, and its shared identity. Ignoring the role of social sciences in fostering societal well-being risks eroding the very foundation of our collective future.
Policymakers must reconsider the broader impact of social research. It’s not just about balancing budgets; it’s about securing a sustainable, thriving society. Without this balance, we may save dollars today, but we risk losing the essence of what makes NZ strong tomorrow.
Dr Jessica Sneha Gray
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