What Is The SCSS?

The SCSS was founded in 1992 by political scientist Stephen Krason and sociologist Joseph Varacalli. It is based at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio.

The contemporary social sciences are primarily dependent on secular assumptions, concepts, and theories. Consequently, the role of faith and Catholic social teaching is hardly considered in today’s body of social science. The SCSS boldly challenges this secularized approach to the social sciences by combining objective scholarly analysis with fidelity to the Magisterium.

Through a collegiality of Catholic scholars, professors, researchers, practitioners, and writers, the SCSS brings credible scholarship to political, social, and economic questions. SCSS members approach their work in both a scholarly and evangelical spirit. They are expected to observe the highest scholarly and professional requirements of their disciplines as they examine their data in light of Church teaching and the natural law. In this way, the Society seeks to obtain objective knowledge about the social order, provide solutions to vexing social problems, and further the cause of Christ.

The Society’s main projects are its Annual Conferences, held in October of each year; its academic journal. The Catholic Social Science Review; and its Book Series.

SCSS membership is open to Catholics involved in the social sciences or disciplines concerned with social questions (e.g., moral theology, ethics) and who possess an advanced degree or are full-time students in a master’s degree or equivalent program. Members must demonstrate fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and a reasonable knowledge of and interest in deepening their understanding of the Church’s social teachings. Non-Catholics who are knowledgeable about and support the Catholic Church’s teachings and the purposes of the Society may become special associate members. Annual dues are $25 ($15 for full-time students in a master’s degree or equivalent program), which includes a subscription to The Catholic Social Science Review.