Social & behavioral science impact

At Sage, we publish impactful social and behavioral science (SBS) research that helps to inform policy, practice, and the public. Because SBS often has an outsized influence in these areas, we’re committed to changing how that impact is measured and celebrated across the globe. Recognizing that such a transformation will require time and dedication, Sage, as an independent company, is committed to this goal for the long term.

I’m proud to say that Sage is a company that advocates for policy that will enable science, especially social and behavioral science which is often underfunded, to make real-world impact. We believe that social and behavioral sciences can improve, and even save, lives
Sara Miller McCune, Sage Founder

Sage Policy Profiles

Sage Policy Profiles is a free tool that helps researchers track their policy citations and connect with policymakers in their field. It’s all powered by Overton, the world’s largest searchable index of policy documents.

Try Sage Policy Profiles

Empowering Social and Behavioral Science Researchers

This webinar explored the findings of a recent Sage report showing the disconnect between researchers’ desires to make real-world impact and the incentive structures of their institutions. A panel discussion with leaders from academia and policy-focused organizations highlighted practical solutions for connecting research with decision making.

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Measuring and recognizing impact

A microphone and headphones in the foreground, a computer in the background

Roundtable discussion on research impact

Featuring Camille Gamboa, vice president of corporate communications at Sage, this podcast explores how publishers and librarians define and support research impact, how the discussion has expanded over time, and why forward thinking is crucial to meet ongoing challenges.

Sage's 10-Year Impact Awards honor scholarship with enduring influence

For the sixth year, Sage has awarded 10-Year Impact Awards to the authors of Sage papers with the most citations over the past decade.

On measuring social science impact: An excerpt and responses

A featured excerpt from Ziyad Marar’s essay exploring the importance of looking beyond citation-based metrics in the social and behavioral sciences, accompanied by a collection of scholarly responses.

Impactful social and behavioral science

Sage discipline hubs

The latest Sage content across a range of social and behavioral science disciplines, including our full range of journal portfolios, books, and digital library resources. Browse all discipline hubs.

Business and Management

Education

Politics, Public Administration and International Relations

Psychology and Counselling

Research Methods and Evaluation

Sociology, Gender Studies, and Cultural Studies

Sage microsites

Hubs of research published by Sage that address key challenges in the social and behavioral sciences. Browse all microsites.

Immigrant, migrant, and refugee research

Sustainable Development Goals

Information literacy

Social science book series

What Do We Know and What Should We Do About...?

Written by leading social scientists, this series offers concise, up-to-date overviews of issues often oversimplified, misrepresented or misunderstood and shows you how to enact change.

Book cover of What Do We Know and What Should We Do About Abolishing Prisons

Book cover of What Do We Know and What Should We Do About Authoritarian Regimes

Social Science for Social Justice

This book series provides a platform for academics, journalists, and activists of color to respond to today’s pressing social issues. It provides rigorous analysis and radical thinking in clear, accessible language.

Book cover of Queering the Asian Diaspora

Campaign for Social Science

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The Contemporary Relevance of the Social Sciences

This report from Sage and the Academy of Social Sciences examines how UK social sciences drive innovation, support effective decision-making, and help inform policy.

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Campaign for Social Science Annual Sage Lecture 2025

The Honorable Julia Gillard AC, 27th Prime Minister of Australia, shared insights on how social science can still have global impact in an era of political polarization and widespread misinformation, public skepticism, political interference, and funding reductions.

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Social Science Space

Social Science Space brings social scientists together to explore, share and shape the big issues in social science, from funding to impact. This collection of articles highlights social and behavioral science research, and interrogates the metrics by which this impact is measured.

The Social Science Bites podcast hosts bite-size interviews with leading social scientists. Each episode offers a unique perspective on how our social world is created, and how social science can help us understand people and how they behave.

Advocating for social and behavioral science

We work with and support the following organizations to increase the impact of social and behavioral science.