ABSTRACT
Social Science Research (SSR) embodies the study of various societal systems, their constituents, patterns, behaviour, power structures and welfare aspects such as status of health, education, employment and others. One need not exemplify the inherent importance of this field and more so the role of the field for knowledge and inputs in various policies and decisions for the benefit of the society. Yet, there is a prevailing concern across countries of the world on the status it enjoys vis-à-vis the field of science, funding issues, concerns of necessary infrastructure and consideration in policy making. In this context, this chapter consolidates the trends in SSR across select countries of the world and documents the salient features of the trends existing thereof. The issues specific to this field in India are elaborated and a performance measurement framework is suggested for the SSR system in India.
