Interdisciplinarity in the Social Sciences: Conceptual Foundations, Theoretical Perspectives, and Methodological Implications
Muhammad Sulemana and Ahmad Ibrahim*
ABSTRACT
Interdisciplinarity has increasingly become central to social science research due to the complex and interconnected nature of social phenomena. Contemporary societal challenges such as poverty, governance, inequality, and development transcend single disciplinary explanations, necessitating integrated analytical approaches. This paper examines the concept of interdisciplinarity in the social sciences by exploring its conceptual foundations, theoretical perspectives, and methodological implications. Adopting a qualitative desk-based research design, the study draws on existing scholarly literature to analyze how interdisciplinary approaches enhance understanding and explanation of social realities. The paper argues that interdisciplinarity strengthens analytical depth, improves explanatory power, and promotes holistic understanding of social phenomena. It concludes that interdisciplinary research is essential for advancing knowledge and addressing complex social problems in contemporary societies.
