National Association for the Promotion of Social Science

At the 1865 Social Science Congress in Sheffield, the Parsi reformer Manockjee Cursetjee speaks on female education in India

The Social Science Congress 1879, illustration from The Graphic

National Association for the Promotion of Social Science (NAPSS), also known as the Social Science Association, was a British organization established in the mid-19th century aimed at fostering discussion and reform in areas such as public health, education, law reform, and the welfare of the poor. The association played a significant role in the social reform movements of the Victorian era, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and the promotion of social science disciplines.

History

The National Association for the Promotion of Social Science was founded in 1857 by Lord Brougham, with the aim of bringing together experts and interested parties from various fields to discuss and propose solutions to social problems. The association was part of a broader movement towards social reform in the 19th century, which saw the establishment of numerous organizations and societies dedicated to improving public welfare and reforming laws.

Activities

The NAPSS organized annual meetings, known as Congresses, in different cities across the United Kingdom. These meetings attracted a wide range of participants, including politicians, academics, reformers, and members of the public. The Congresses featured lectures, discussions, and debates on a variety of topics, including public health, education reform, criminal justice reform, and the improvement of the conditions of the poor.

One of the notable achievements of the NAPSS was its influence on legislation and public policy. The discussions and resolutions passed at its meetings often highlighted issues that required attention, leading to reforms in areas such as public health, education, and the legal system. The association also published reports and proceedings of its meetings, which served as valuable resources for policymakers and reformers.

Decline and Legacy

By the late 19th century, the influence of the NAPSS began to wane. The rise of specialized professional organizations and the increasing involvement of the state in social welfare and reform reduced the need for a generalist organization like the NAPSS. The association eventually dissolved in the early 20th century.

Despite its decline, the legacy of the National Association for the Promotion of Social Science endures. The association played a crucial role in promoting the importance of social science and contributed to significant social reforms in the Victorian era. Its efforts helped to lay the groundwork for the development of social science disciplines and the expansion of the welfare state in the United Kingdom.

See Also

• Social reform
• Victorian era
• Public health in the United Kingdom
• Education reform in the United Kingdom
• Criminal justice reform in the United Kingdom