Behavioral and Social Sciences Section

What are the benefits of choosing this section?

• As the largest GSA section, BSS offers numerous networking opportunities
• BSS includes behavioral and social science researchers, educators, policy makers, and practitioners from many disciplines
• BSS members come from all over the U.S. and world
• Exposure to cutting-edge research

What types of professionals affiliate with this section?

• BSS membership includes economists, epidemiologists, political scientists, psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, humanists, social workers, and other clinicians
• Some of the topics BSS members study:
  • The distribution and impact of illness and disability in society
  • Life course transitions experienced in mid to late life
  • The relationships between aging individuals, their families and communities
  • The ways that individuals cope with adversity in old age
  • Programs and services for aging individuals and their families
  • The experiences of aging around the world

What sort of GSA activities and networking opportunities are available to members of this section?

• Organize and/or present symposia, papers, posters, or roundtables for the annual meeting
• Assume a leadership position in BSS, or on GSA committees and interest groups
• Mentor junior colleagues and students both formally and informally
• Stay abreast of BSS business, celebrate BSS successes, and meet and greet fellow BSS members at the annual section business meeting and luncheon
• Develop and maintain collaborations through organized sessions and BSS activities

What opportunities are available for emerging scholars and professionals in this section?

• Attend mentorship and research consultancy sessions at the Annual Scientific Meeting to meet one-on-one with experienced researchers in their field
• Apply for a BSS travel scholarship to support attendance at the meeting
• Submit your work for a student paper award given at the annual section meeting