Science in Social Services

Abstract

IN his farewell address on June 24 to the London School of Economics, Sir William Beveridge emphasized the need for both observation and detachment in the social sciences. Failure to be scientific in method and detachment on the part of both economists and statesmen, he said, had largely been responsible for the tardy development or recognition of the social sciences, alike in the neglect of observation of facts as the basis of theories and as the control of theories, and in the lack of detachment from partisan actions and the giving of judgment on controversial political issues. The social services of Great Britain might well have been cited by Sir William Beveridge to illustrate his point. They continue to grow piecemeal, and every session Parliament adds something to the imposing structure ; but it is nearly thirty years since the last comprehensive inquiry into public social provision in Great Britain was made. Continually, however, we witness particular aspects of the social services criticized strongly to prove or disprove some political tenet or preconceived idea, and it is rare indeed to find them considered in relation to a comprehensive and well-defined social policy.