Why Social Scientists Must Lead the Charge for Community Change After the 2024 Election

As the dust settles after the 2024 U.S. election, it’s clear that we are at a pivotal juncture as a society. The election results, whatever one’s perspective on them, have underscored complex divides and emerging issues that social scientists are uniquely positioned to address.

Our communities are looking for direction, guidance, and evidence-based solutions to the pressing issues that challenge us—polarization, social inequality, public health, climate justice, and more. In this context, social scientists have both the expertise and responsibility to drive meaningful change and lead resilience at the community level.

Taking action is no longer optional, its required. Here's where to start:

1. Building Bridges in Polarized Times

One of the most notable aspects of the 2024 election, is the depth of polarization within American society, especially between urban and rural areas. Unpopular opinion: the underlying cultural, economic, and ideological divides are multi-dimensional and nuanced than people are willing to see or admit.

The truth is, villainizing people whose beliefs different vastly from yours is easy and lazy. We have a responsibility as social scientists to rise above the hate-based discourse and take meaningful action in the direction of empathy.

As a social scientists, you already have the training to understand and interpret these divisions, digging deeper than surface-level issues and uncovering the true motivations, fears, pain points, and aspirations that fuel different voting behavior an policy perspectives.

Through community-based research and participatory dialogue, social scientists can help bridge these divides through constructive discourse. By proactively engaging in this work, we help communities to withstand and grow beyond these polarized times.

2. Supporting Equitable Policy Development

The 2024 election further illuminated longstanding, deep-rooted social inequities that will require new, innovative approaches to bridge gaps in knowledge and understanding between groups.

From economic and racial disparities to access to healthcare and education, these issues require rigorous research and strategic solutions. Social scientists bring essential insights into how policy interventions can be crafted to achieve real-world impact and minimize unintended consequences.

Now more than ever, it’s vital for social scientists to serve as advocates and advisors in the policy development process. By actively participating in discussions with policymakers, social scientists can ensure that policy changes are not only data-driven but also culturally and contextually appropriate for the communities they affect.

3. Expanding Public Health and Well-being Initiatives

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted how we view public health, and the 2024 election results reflect heightened interest in proactive, community-based health initiatives. Social scientists—especially those in public health, sociology, and psychology—have the opportunity to address the social determinants of health that profoundly impact wellness across communities. From mental health support to promoting healthy behaviors and ensuring access to basic needs, there’s a wide range of ways social scientists can make a tangible difference in community health and resilience.

Working directly with community organizations, healthcare providers, and local governments, social scientists can help implement programs that address health disparities and improve the overall well-being of populations. By grounding their work in lived experiences and local contexts, these experts can contribute to sustainable health improvements that resonate beyond election cycles.

4. Championing Environmental Justice and Sustainability

As climate change becomes an ever-pressing issue, the call for environmental justice has reached new heights. The election showcased that a huge portion of the population still does not accept the very real truth of anthropogenic climate change and a handful of corrupt business people and politicians are willing to pedal false information because it is good for the bottom line.

It’s abundantly clear to environmental and social scientists that addressing climate change an environmental challenges requires urgent attention. Social scientists, particularly those with expertise in environmental sociology, urban planning, and community development, are essential in translating climate science into community-focused action plans - by working with local leaders to develop practical strategies for reducing environmental impact and increasing resilience.

Whether it’s supporting vulnerable communities through adaptation strategies or collaborating on sustainable development projects, social scientists can amplify community voices in the climate movement. This is our opportunity to ensure that sustainability efforts are inclusive, addressing the needs of all community members.

5. Reinvigorating Civic Engagement and Democracy

Finally, one of the clearest messages of the 2024 election is that civic engagement is the backbone of democracy. Yet, as voter turnout and civic participation fluctuate, the need to strengthen these foundational aspects of society is undeniable.

Social scientists are uniquely suited to understand the barriers to civic engagement and identify ways to empower communities to participate fully in democratic processes.

Through research on civic attitudes, barriers to participation, and innovative forms of engagement, social scientists can drive initiatives that make democracy more accessible and resilient.

This might involve partnering with schools, local governments, and nonprofits to develop programs that educate and inspire citizens about their role in the democratic process, creating a ripple effect of engagement and empowerment.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

For social scientists, the 2024 election should serve as a serious call to action.

We are being asked to step outside of academic silos and our own confirmation bias to directly engage with communities, applying our expertise in tangible ways that contribute to a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient society.

As we move forward, we must remember that meaningful change often starts at the local level, with the people who live and work in our communities.

Our role is not just to study society but to actively shape it. This starts at the local level.