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The Militarization of American Social Research During the Cold War

David Mitchell

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Published in Armed With Expertise: The Militarization Of American Social Research During The Cold War (American Institutions And Society)

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The Cold War was a period of intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. This rivalry extended to all aspects of society, including the social sciences. In the United States, the government funded and directed a massive amount of social research in Free Download to serve its national security interests.

Armed with Expertise: The Militarization of American Social Research during the Cold War (American Institutions and Society)

by Joy Rohde

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This militarization of social research had a profound impact on the development of the social sciences. It led to the creation of new research methods and theories, and it shaped the way that social scientists thought about the world. The legacy of this militarization can still be seen in the social sciences today.

The Origins of the Militarization of Social Research

The roots of the militarization of social research can be traced back to the early days of the Cold War. In the aftermath of World War II, the United States emerged as the world's leading superpower. However, it was also facing a new and dangerous threat from the Soviet Union.

The Soviet Union was a communist state that was committed to spreading its ideology around the world. The United States was determined to stop the spread of communism, and it saw social research as a key tool in this fight.

The Funding of Militarized Social Research

The US government provided massive funding for social research during the Cold War. This funding came from a variety of sources, including the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Science Foundation.

The government's funding of social research was not without its critics. Some social scientists argued that the government was using social research to manipulate public opinion and justify its policies.

The Impact of Militarization on Social Research

The militarization of social research had a profound impact on the development of the social sciences. It led to the creation of new research methods and theories, and it shaped the way that social scientists thought about the world.

One of the most significant impacts of militarization was the development of new research methods. Social scientists began to use quantitative methods, such as surveys and experiments, to study social problems. These methods allowed social scientists to collect and analyze data in a more rigorous and objective way.

The militarization of social research also led to the development of new theories about social behavior. Social scientists began to develop theories that emphasized the role of conflict and competition in human society. These theories were often used to justify the government's policies in the Cold War.

The Legacy of Militarization

The legacy of the militarization of social research can still be seen in the social sciences today. Many of the research methods and theories that were developed during the Cold War are still used by social scientists today.

However, the militarization of social research also had some negative consequences. It led to a narrowing of the scope of social research, and it made it more difficult for social scientists to criticize the government.

Today, there is a growing movement among social scientists to demilitarize the social sciences. This movement is working to ensure that social research is used for the benefit of society, not for the benefit of the military.

The militarization of American social research during the Cold War was a complex and controversial phenomenon. It had a profound impact on the development of the social sciences, and it continues to shape the way that we think about social problems today.

Armed with Expertise: The Militarization of American Social Research during the Cold War (American Institutions and Society)

by Joy Rohde

5 out of 5