Declining Enrolment in Social Sciences in Higher Education of Karnataka: A Sociological Perspective

Abstract

This article examines the declining enrolment in social science disciplines within Karnataka's higher education system through a sociological lens. Drawing on state-level data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), Karnataka government reports, and university statistics, it identifies structural, economic, and institutional factors contributing to reduced student participation in sociology, political science, economics, and related fields. The analysis reveals that despite Karnataka's higher-than-national-average Gross Enrolment Ratio (36.2% vs. 28.4% nationally), social sciences face marginalisation due to STEM prioritisation, faculty vacancies (69% across state universities), and labour market signalling favouring technical credentials. The article concludes with recommendations for policy interventions to revitalise social science education in light of its critical role in democratic citizenship and social development.