Social Obstacles to the Acceptance of Existing Social Science Knowledge

Abstract

it, knowledge to the amelioration of problems of human relations is hampered by existing habits of thought andl action. Curiously enough this resistance is directly proportional to the soundness of this social science knowledge; the principles of human relations inductively derived from empirical research and observation of human behavior are less likely to be accepted by intelligent persons than are prevalent panaceas anid superstitions. At least eight social obstacles* to the acceptance of existing social science knowledge of a sound nature may be noted: the subject matter of social science (crime, sex, politics, wealth, etc.) arouses emotional reactions and diverts attention from an analysis of the qualities of the objects observed to an expression of how we feel. about these objects; a normative set or a value-judgment rather thain an impersonal approach to problems of social relations is traditional; the observer is himself a part of the social situationi or the social relationships he tries to observe; much significant sociological information has a confidential and privileged character; widespread conspiracies of silence exist and prevent effective decision making about acute problems; unpleasant consequences to minority groups usually follow the application of sound principles of human relationship; much of the subject matter of social science is pturely verbal or langtuage behavior and hence seems intangible; and an understanding of the problems of human relations requires conicentrated, consistent and sustained mental concentration of a new language which few are willing to learn. Let us now consider in more detail each of these obstacles.