ABSTRACT
Generically, the ‘political’ in the whole process originates and survives in the superordinate-subordinate relations embedded in individuals, groups, communities, states, regions and even beyond. The trajectory of the social sciences is particularly entrenched in such relations because the epistemic community is also an integral part of the process. The social sciences have always been a lucrative target of the overarching guidance from the west. If today it is the neoliberal project, previously it was the modernisation paradigm. The modernisation paradigm had sought to install specific institutional rules, behavioural norms and attitudinal patterns as part of the upgradation of ‘backdated traditional’ societies to the ‘modern’ version. The chapter also provides an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book. The book aims to make an attempt to situate the social sciences in contemporary times – the times engineered by globalisation.
