Usually, this science

Notes on the Role of Social Sciences in Recent Public Discourse Risto Kunelius School of Social Sciences and Humanities

Usually, this science [statistics] is connected to boring and dry numbers with endless and complex tables. But in fact not many other fields of inquiry are as diverse and offer as much food for thought, not to mention that having more accurate facts about both the physical and mental situation in our fatherland isIMAGINING absolutely vitalAND to anyone who loves his country”. (Snellman 1845). BUILDING THE NATION

The (romantic) ideologist “ for sociology, the most central question concerns the functions and effects of sociological knowledge in society”.” Allardt & Littunen,1979..

PLANNING AND MANAGING THE WELFARE STATE The expert “Sociology is seen as an activity which analyses, deconstructs and breaks old, worn out models of thought about society. Sociologists are more cautious than before in presenting positive models, since they are aware of the dangers of the role of the ideologist.” Alasuutari 1988)

DECONSTRUCTING THE SYSTEM, REPRESENTING THE DIVERSITY OF MEANINGS The (ironic) system critic

EARLIER? Nation state > markets

Planning, expertize

•Nation building (1840 =>)

NOW? Global Markets > states

Competition, innovation, evolution

* National competition imperative

•System reform (1950 =>)

* System ’rationalization’

•’Life-world protection & celebration’ (1980=>)

• Life-world creativity commodification

The ’people’/ nation

success in comptetition?

?

Market (money)

Academy Innovation science

Evidence science

Science of ”excellence”

(reputation)

Public science ?

Policy networks

Civil society

(power/legitimation)

(representation)