By: 
Dzuhailmi Dahalan

In Malaysia and in many other countries, research fields are often divided into two main categories, social sciences and technical sciences (such as natural sciences, engineering, and technology). In the context of a society oriented towards economic and technological development, research in the social sciences is often considered 'low class' compared to research in the scientific and technical fields. This phenomenon raises the question of why researchers in the social sciences are often underestimated, even though their contribution is also important to national development. One of the main reasons why the social sciences are considered less important is because the primary focus of a country's development is often focused on economic growth, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. In this context, the government and industry are investing more in research related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as this field is seen to provide clear returns in terms of the country's technology, industry and economic development. The social sciences, which focus more on the study of human behavior, culture, and society, are often seen as difficult to measure in terms of direct economic contribution.

Fields such as anthropology, sociology or psychology may not produce technological innovations that can increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but this does not mean that they are not important. Unfortunately, deep perceptions of advances based solely on technology often sideline the importance of social inquiry. Many people, however, do not fully understand the role of the social sciences in the development of society. These fields are often considered too theoretical or abstract, compared to technical research that results in concrete innovations such as computer chips, biomedical technology, or infrastructure development. This perception fuels the misconception that social science research does not directly benefit daily life. Still, social science researchers play a crucial role in understanding the social, political, and economic problems facing the country. For example, research in the field of education can help design more effective education systems, while research in sociology can provide in-depth insights into how to address social injustice and ethnic diversity. Without this research, society may not be able to deeply understand the social challenges faced and how best to deal with them.

The field of technical science is often evaluated on the basis of easily measurable successes, such as the discovery of a new technology, a patent, or a commercial product. The results of technical research can be seen in physical form and often lead to real economic development. For example, research in engineering produces new marketable inventions or technologies that can be used to improve industrial productivity. On the other hand, social sciences often produce studies whose results are qualitative and quantitative, besides taking longer to see the impact. The success of research in the social sciences may not always be measurable in the form of numbers or physical products, but rather a change in attitudes, a better understanding of society or policy. This makes social science research unfriendly in terms of a directly visible return on investment, thus creating the perception that the field is less valuable. In most societies, including in Malaysia, technical science is often seen as a "more difficult" or more "prestigious" field than the social sciences. Fields such as medicine, engineering, or computer science often gain higher recognition among society due to their technical complexity and the notion that success in these fields requires a higher level of intelligence. On the other hand, the social sciences are sometimes considered an 'easy field' or less challenging, despite the fact that research in this field requires analytical skills, a deep cultural understanding, and sensitivity to complex social issues.

In the context of current government appointments, for example, the Research Officer Q Scheme is only allocated to candidates with a scientific and technical background, not among social science candidates. It is uncertain why there is a dual-standad. This stigma further adds to the gap between the awards given to researchers in the social sciences and researchers in the technical field. Despite all these challenges, the social sciences actually play an important role in shaping public and social policy in Malaysia. Studies in the fields of economics, sociology and politics have made a significant contribution in formulating government policies related to education, health, social justice and economic development. Social science researchers provide critical insights that help national leaders understand the realities of people's lives and formulate better policies for the well-being of society. A clear example is the role of the social sciences in addressing issues such as poverty, inequality and racial unity in Malaysia. This research is very important to ensure that economic development is not only centered on certain groups but is enjoyed by all levels of society. Unfortunately, these contributions are often not given the attention they deserve because they are not as simple as technology that can be measured with immediate profits.

While social sciences are often taken for granted compared to technical sciences, the field actually plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing complex social issues. Higher appreciation of researchers in the social sciences is essential to ensure a more balanced development between technological advances and social justice. A deeper understanding of the contributions of the social sciences can help correct misconceptions, increase financial support and encourage more effective research in this field for the benefit of society at large.

Date of Input: 04/03/2025 | Updated: 20/01/2026 | nm_aini