Social Sciences and Humanities in the Arab World: A Reading of the Arab Social Sciences Monitor

Abstract

This report presents an overview of Arab knowledge production in the social sciences and humanities through an analysis of four reports by the Arab Social Sciences Monitor. The reports reveal a quantitative increase in social sciences and humanities output within Arab academic and research institutions. Arab knowledge production is characterized by weak production and limited reliance on fieldwork, in contrast to a dominance of theoretical research. Furthermore, the structure of scholarly publishing faces challenges related to limited funding and underutilization of digital platforms. The reports also highlight the fragility of the research environment due to weak academic freedoms and political constraints. The reports conclude with an emphasis on the need to strengthen the independence of research enhance its methodological and epistemological foundations, and connect the social sciences and humanities more closely to the concerns of Arab societies.