Social Research is Critical – Grange

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, says social research, like scientific research, plays a critical role in the development of Jamaica.

The Minister was speaking at the Opening Ceremony for the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Research Days 2018 on Wednesday (February 7).

“Understanding behavior and why people do the things they do is critical. This is an area of great importance to us now as we tackle the crime problem,” Minister Grange said.

She said work done by Professor of Child Health, Development and Behaviour, Maureen Samms-Vaughan and that of Professor of Comparative Sociology Ian Boxill can help in understanding what contributes to deviant behavior.

The Minister also believes that culture and appreciating the constructs of culture are equally important to policies on development.

“Our music and other forms of culture are part of our way of life and we need to understand how they can transfer the right message to persons. UWI can help by doing research in this area as you have all the skills here,” Minister Grange said.

Minister Grange said that, the UWI has for the last 70 years been “creating an environment of learning, growth and development that emphasises intellectual curiosity, service and leadership.”

“One of the measures of a university’s success is the ability to integrate theory with practical applications for the social and economic benefit of our communities, countries, and region. The primary modality for achieving this is through partnerships and bringing research to life.”

The Minister said also that the UWI has the support of the Government as it continues to anchor itself as a vital centre of competence and problem solving to help tackle social challenges and drive economic growth.