Why is Research in Humanities and Social Sciences so downrated, in current asessment agencies and other instancies (Researchgate included), in comparation with other sciences and technical disciplines?
Yes, I think that we all know some colleagues, neighbours or relatives who teach or do research on Physics, Statistics or Veterinary, and who are not considered by his students and peers as genius nor moderately bright at all. Their contributions are, frequently, some 3-4 pages papers signed by other 5, 10 or 200 people. Yet, their “scores” are, in public “official” ratings, very high. “Tant mieux” for them. But I wonder if the “Impact factor” is not strongely, and unfairly, biased to favour disciplines in which some Governments and Industries are interested.
Any Ideas about it?
As a very rough idea this might be related to the fact of global (neoliberal) capitalism and the 'pressure' or bondage of economical 'usabilty'. I'd guess in social science / humanities from a (natural) scientific, technical or HR perspective still exsist 'too many' of some kind 'old, unfashionable' discussions about 'THE ONE' proper way (which doesnt exist). Theoretical approaches or paradigms which cant be easily transformed into 'economic power' aren't that 'welcome' or' worthy'. In 'hard' science discipline which do not deal with human attitudes, norms, worth, believes, culture etc. the rating factors tend to be higher, because of less 'danger' of beeing disproved easily. As an example look on (radical) constructivists theories, post-modernists like J. Baudrillard or critical political/economics theory... from Thomas Morus (Utopia) 16th century, to Marx/Engels ending up in today's critics... They all seem to be not very 'helpful' to todays "system", coz the results strongly relate to the chosen approach. Physics, for example, isn't that much relative like arts. Additionally, pay attention to the domination of positivist, neoliberal, HR and 'real-world' decision making CEOs, CTO, CMOs, politicians etc.) Hope u got my point.
Three years later.
Sorry, Holger, as I did'nt answer and recommend your clear and bright point.
And, three years later too, I am fairly astonished that this issue in itself (not my view) has not aroused any further comment. Certainly, Humanities get what their cultivators deserve.
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