How Social Science Informs Health: Economics, Political Science, and Psychology in Modern Epidemiology

By Daniel RodriguezLast Updated May 8, 2025

Introduction: The Power of Social Science in Modern Health

Understanding human health today requires more than just knowledge of biology and medicine. As public health challenges become more complex, the insights drawn from social science disciplines-including economics , political science , and psychology -are increasingly vital. Epidemiologists, who investigate the causes and control of diseases within populations, now rely heavily on social science concepts to design studies, interpret patterns, and propose interventions. This article explores the intersections between these disciplines and epidemiology, with actionable guidance for aspiring professionals seeking interdisciplinary expertise.

Is Economics a Social Science?

Economics is widely recognized as a core social science. It investigates how individuals, groups, and societies allocate resources, make decisions, and respond to incentives. Economists study patterns in consumption, production, employment, and distribution, always factoring in human behavior and societal context. Understanding economics is crucial for analyzing public health policies, healthcare financing, and the impact of poverty on disease outcomes.

Example:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, economic models helped estimate the effect of lockdowns on unemployment, income, and health disparities. These analyses informed governmental decisions about aid distribution and reopening strategies, illustrating why economic knowledge is invaluable to epidemiologists studying large-scale interventions.

How to Gain Expertise: Those interested in integrating economics into their health science career can enroll in courses at accredited universities or pursue interdisciplinary degrees in public health with a focus on health economics. Many programs, such as those offered by major universities, allow students to tailor their coursework to include both epidemiology and economic theory.

Is Political Science a Liberal Arts Discipline?

Political science is traditionally classified as a liberal arts discipline. Liberal arts programs emphasize broad-based critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills, spanning the humanities and social sciences. Political science specifically examines systems of governance, public policy, political processes, and the impact of laws and regulations on societies.

Real-World Application:
Epidemiologists must understand political structures to effectively advocate for public health policies, navigate regulatory environments, and assess the impact of legislation on health outcomes. For instance, knowledge of political systems helps epidemiologists interpret how health laws are enacted and enforced, and how advocacy can shape healthcare access.

How to Explore Further: You can gain political science knowledge through undergraduate liberal arts programs or specialized public policy degrees. Students may also benefit from engaging in policy research projects or internships with government agencies and non-profit organizations dedicated to health advocacy.

Is Psychology Considered a Health Science?

Psychology is often classified as both a social and health science. It explores human behavior, cognition, and emotion, examining how mental processes affect physical health. Health psychology, a specialized field, focuses on how psychological factors influence health, illness, and healthcare delivery.

Example:
Psychological research has revealed how stress, trauma, and social isolation can increase the risk of chronic diseases. Epidemiologists apply this knowledge when designing studies on mental health, substance use, and preventive interventions.

Steps to Build Competence: To develop expertise in psychology as it relates to health, consider pursuing coursework or degrees in health psychology or behavioral science. Many public health programs offer integrated tracks or electives in these areas, enhancing your ability to interpret psychological determinants of health.

How Social Science Knowledge Empowers Epidemiologists

Understanding social science is not optional for modern epidemiologists-it is essential. Here’s how:

Contextualizing Disease: Social science illuminates how economic inequality, social norms, political systems, and psychological stressors contribute to disease patterns and health outcomes. For example, social epidemiology studies the impact of discrimination, marginalization, and neighborhood context on population health [1] .
Designing Effective Studies: Epidemiological research often requires understanding complex social structures. By incorporating social science methods, epidemiologists can design more nuanced studies that account for confounding variables and social determinants of health [2] .
Implementing Interventions: Interventions succeed when they account for the social and economic realities of the target population. Epidemiologists with social science training can create, evaluate, and adapt public health strategies that are feasible, culturally appropriate, and politically viable.
Addressing Health Disparities: Tackling health disparities requires knowledge of the underlying social forces that create inequities. Epidemiologists equipped with social science perspectives are better positioned to develop solutions that address the root causes of poor health in disadvantaged communities [3] .

Case Study: Social Epidemiology in Action

Social epidemiology is an interdisciplinary field that directly applies social science insights to public health problems. Programs like the
Graduate Certificate in Social Epidemiology
at the University of Michigan integrate sociology, psychology, and economics with epidemiologic research, preparing students to address health disparities caused by social determinants [1] .

For example, researchers have used social epidemiological methods to study how neighborhood poverty and discrimination influence rates of chronic illness, leading to targeted interventions such as community health initiatives and policy changes.

Practical Pathways: Building Interdisciplinary Expertise

If you are interested in expanding your skill set at the intersection of social science and epidemiology, here are actionable steps:

Pursue Interdisciplinary Education: Look for graduate or certificate programs that combine public health, epidemiology, and social sciences. Many universities, including those with schools of public health, offer flexible curricula and certificate options focused on social determinants of health.
Engage in Cross-Disciplinary Research: Participate in research projects or internships that address social or behavioral aspects of health. Collaborate with professionals in economics, psychology, or political science to broaden your perspective.
Leverage Professional Networks: Join professional organizations or online groups that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Attending seminars, workshops, or conferences can help you stay updated on best practices and innovations in social epidemiology.
Utilize University Resources: Universities often provide academic support, research libraries, and access to expert faculty in both social science and epidemiology. Take advantage of these resources to deepen your expertise [4] .
Seek Mentorship: Identify mentors in both public health and social science fields. A mentor can guide your career development, help you identify research opportunities, and provide feedback on your projects.

Accessing Programs and Resources: To learn more about interdisciplinary programs, visit the official websites of university public health departments or contact admissions offices directly. If you’re seeking specific certificate programs, search for terms like “social epidemiology certificate” or “health economics public health” using official university websites or established educational directories.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Pursuing an interdisciplinary path may come with challenges, such as navigating different academic cultures, balancing course requirements, or integrating diverse methodologies. To overcome these:

Start with Foundational Courses: Enroll in introductory classes in economics, political science, or psychology before diving into advanced interdisciplinary work.
Build a Support Network: Join student organizations or online forums focused on public health and social sciences for peer support and resource sharing.
Stay Flexible: Be open to adapting your research focus as new trends and needs emerge in public health and social science.

Key Takeaways

Integrating social science knowledge into public health and epidemiology unlocks deeper understanding of health patterns and enables more effective solutions for complex challenges. By developing expertise in economics, political science, and psychology, epidemiologists can better analyze, prevent, and manage health issues at the population level.