RAWALPINDI, Dec 11: Speakers at a conference here on Friday emphasized more research and development in social sciences in order to save this vital field from being eclipsed by the rapid technological advances.

The three-day international social sciences conference entitled "Social Sciences: Endangered and Engendered" has been organized by the Fatima Jinnah Women University in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission.

Top social scientists, researchers, scholars and experts from both within the country and abroad are participating in the conference.

The speakers highlighted the importance of social sciences and said more research in this field was necessary to solve the complex social issues that had gripped the world today. They expressed their concern over, what they said, lack of the requisite advance in social sciences compared to the marvelling inventions and explorations in natural sciences.

The speakers said there was need to imbibe the overriding importance of social sciences in the minds of the people. They were also critical of men dominating this field. These things make social sciences endangered and engendered, they said.

Speaking at the inaugural session, famous social scientist Dr Matiur Rehman said most of the plans either failed or did not bring the desired results because their social aspects were ignored and experts of social studies were not consulted.

He said economic development could not take place without social development and unless the two were integrated into each other. Social sciences give an understanding of the society you live in and the problems prevalent there and how is it possible to make progress unless you a have full understanding of these issues, he asked.

According to him, social and economic problems had a great bearing on each other, were inter-dependent and had to be solved simultaneously through better understanding of social sciences. "The world is a global village. To remain isolated is not possible. We have to develop social sciences and through them develop a culture of peace," Mr Rehman said.

The FJWU vice-chancellor, Dr Najma Najam, in her welcome speech highlighted the aims and objectives of the conference. She said it provided a platform to researchers, professionals and social scientists to share their views and how to make progress in this field.

She regretted that social sciences were given a short shrift research and development in social sciences is needed to make the world a peaceful place to live in, she said.

Dr Douglas A. Brook of the University of Texas, shared his views about social sciences in the perspective of the West. He said in the West social sciences emerged in the wake of social crises, reformation, institution of the Church etc. Now due to globalisation, its importance has increased manifold, necessitating more research and development.