ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the mandate and need for social science as program focus in resource management agencies. It explores a definition of what such a program focus might encompass: firstly, in terms of Canadian applied research management terminology and secondly, in terms of internal proposals for the US national park system. Thirdly, in terms of a general view and specific examples of the direction the Canadian Parks Service has taken in developing a strong social science function as an integral part of the staff and managerial capabilities of the organization. The Socio-Economic function of the Canadian Parks Service refers to a distinct set of organizational units within the service that are responsible for the application of the professional disciplines of sociology, economics, and statistics to parks management. The official role is to provide analysis, information, and methodology to determine the social and economic factors influencing the operations of the Canadian Parks Service.
