As a division, SPSSI brings together psychologist and social scientists who support research in the psychological aspects related to social issues. We share a mission to use psychological research to inform policy on important societal issues and promote social justice. SPSSI was born in the midst of the Great Depression, and has played a prominent role in research on timely social issues including war, prejudice, poverty, and social justice movements over the yearsopens in new window.
How does SPSSI support advancing social issues research? We highlight a few of our division’s successes and programs:
- SPSSI offers numerous Awardsopens in new window and Grantsopens in new window which include opportunities for students, early career scholars, international scholars, and retirees.
- SPSSI Scholars meaningfully contribute to our impactful journalsopens in new window, our flagship Journal of Social Issues (JSI), Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy (ASAP), and Social Issues and Policy Review (SIPR) and to our book seriesopens in new window, Contemporary Social Issues. We maintain Sound Science, Sound Policy, a Psychology Today blogopens in new window, and SPSSI’s Courtwatch Committee contributes regularly to the Judicial Notebookopens in new window, in the APA Monitor. Current news about SPSSI activity is always available in our newsletter, The Forwardopens in new window.
- For nearly 90 years, SPSSI has issued research-based policy statementsopens in new window and policy resourcesopens in new window on important social issues. These materials educate both policymakers and the social science community on emerging issues and policy-relevant psychological research.
- SPSSI’s policy grantsopens in new window and fellowship programsopens in new window provide funding and mentorship for members engaging in policy-oriented scholarship.
- Virtual and in-person policy eventsopens in new window allow members to practice hands-on policy skills, including crafting policy recommendations, op-ed writing, and coalition building.
- SPSSI members are represented on critical science policy coalitions, including the Federation of Associations in Behavior and Brain Scienceopens in new window, the Coalition of Social Science Associationsopens in new window, and the Coalition for National Science Fundingopens in new window.
We extend a heartfelt invitation to anyone interested in social issues research to join us at our annual meetingopens in new window in June of 2026 in New Orleans to celebrate our 90th anniversary! We plan to highlight the ways that SPSSI has been a force for change in historyopens in new window and celebrate our successes, while also looking forward to the future. What is clear is that SPSSI and social issues research are needed now more than ever, and we will continue to be a leading voice for social issues scholarship and policy advocacy.