The book confronts an uncomfortable reality: despite decades of progress, many of our problems are intensifying. Climate change threatens human life on Earth. The causes of the 2007-2009 financial crisis remain unresolved, while inequality of income, wealth and power has deepened. AI and robotics raise urgent questions about control and ethics.

Yet politicians and policymakers often promote only ‘STEM’ subjects, science, technology, engineering and mathematics , overlooking the social sciences that are essential for translating technological capability into human wellbeing.

The book makes a compelling case for why this narrow focus must change. From understanding why people reject vaccines despite scientific evidence, to designing cities that support mental health, to regulating AI before it’s too late. These challenges demand insight from psychology, sociology, political science, economics and beyond.

Jonathan Michie OBE FAcSS is Professor of Innovation and Knowledge Exchenge at the University of Oxford, UK, and President of Kellogg College. A Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, his work spans global economics, lifelong learning, and co-operative business models. His books include A Reader's Guide to the Social Sciences and The Oxford Handbook of Mutual, Co-operative, and Co-owned Business.

Sir Cary L. Cooper CBE FAcSS is Professor of Organizational Psychology at the University of Manchester, UK, and an Honorary Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. A leading expert on workplace wellbeing, he has authored over 250 books and is a frequent media commentator. His recent titles include Wellbeing at Work and Remote Workplace Culture.

Introduction – Jonathan Michie & Sir Cary L. Cooper

Sustainable Development – Jayati Ghosh links poverty, inequality, and climate justice

Plastic Politics – Joshua Lincoln calls for a rights-based treaty

Arab Spring Revisited – Oz Hassan explores global stability and governance

Migration – Robin Cohen examines global realities and political theatre

Decolonial Theory – Iyiola Solanke critiques EU diversity and calls for cognitive justice

Financial Stability – Jonathan Michie proposes a fairer, greener economic order

Productivity Reimagined – Bart van Ark, Mary O’Mahony & Dirk Pilat argue for inclusive metrics

Well-Being by Design – Quick, Cooper, Hesketh & Gatchel show how social science improves health

Food Security & Justice – Camilla Toulmin explores the politics of feeding the future

Law & Inequality – Cowan & Wheeler examine power, algorithms, and fairness

Crime & Compliance – Mike Hough explores trust and legal behaviour

Education as Social Science – Stylianides & Stylianides challenge common sense in policy

Collaborative Solutions – Hasted & Besharov introduce systems thinking and hybridity

Forging a ‘We’ Society – Will Hutton reimagines capitalism for the common good

“Technology is only a tool; it is how we as humans use it that will shape societies. That underscores the importance of the social sciences in shaping our future, as individuals, communities and societies.” — Andy Haldane, Chief Executive of the RSA, UK