Society; as in its established conventions, in a way or the other, impact scientific thought. And socio-political unrest can immensely hinder scientific production in my opinion.

However, if the people are provided with good governance and overall social stability ensuring education, employment and health, then there are increased chances that they can come up with a scientific outlook in general.

Thanks @ Dhiraj Nath for your input.

Research must always be able to integrate changes, unrest, and huge socio-political transformations in the very core of research strategies. Scientific research exists to serve communities and to be ahead of social transformations. However, when political powers or any political movements try to control scientific research, this normally means the end of scientific freedom which is a priori condition for relevant research.