social science

The Racist Beginnings of Standardized Testing

Standardized testing originated when public schooling was expanding and eugenicists were arguing that many immigrant and nonwhite groups were not capable of educational achievement. Tests were developed to sustain this viewpoint. 

James Jackson, Who Changed the Study of Black America, Dies at 76

James S. Jackson pioneered survey methods that allowed African Americans to be studied as a group rather than in comparison to a baseline defined by whites. 

Let's Return Historical Attention to the Crowd

by Peter N. Stearns

Historians have much to add to the social science theory on crowds and can help advance understanding past simplistic and mechanistic understandings of today's public unrest.

How Racism Is Destroying America (Book Review)

by Michael Ignatieff

A white liberal progressive confronts the issue of race in America with beliefs that make it difficult to face a reality that their fellow citizens of black or Hispanic origin take for granted.

Dutch sociologist says that what is new about mass killing is that we’re embarrassed by it

University of Amsterdam Professor of Social Science Emeritus Abram de Swaan takes a hard look at the subject in his new book, “The Killing Compartments: The Mentality of Mass Murder.”

Science Relevant to History

This page is designed to help historians keep up with the sciences.