ABSTRACT
Throughout the second half of the twentieth century, the use of social science research to influence—or at least rationalize—social policy has grown exponentially. This chapter argues that the social science data analyses, to the extent that they are used to form and maintain group constructs, are a poor basis for policymaking. It aims to suggest a new lens through which to view policy, and through which to examine social science applications to policy. At the same time, the chapter points out the desirability of a more limited role for social science in the policymaking process than it currently enjoys. Most of the myriad group constructions of public policies pre-date social science empirical findings. Social science has its place, but people must understand the importance of the fact that it produces aggregate group data. Yet in countless areas of public policy, social science findings have been used to legitimate discrimination.
