Mathematics and Social Sciences: From Lévi-Strauss's Structuralism to Computational Social Sciences

Abstract

This study explores the use of mathematics in the social sciences through Claude Levi-Strauss's structuralist approach. It aims to revisit the idea of human mathematics in the context of computational social sciences. While mathematics became central to the natural sciences in the 19th century, it began to influence the social sciences more strongly after World War II, with efforts to develop more rigorous theories. Levi-Strauss supported applying scientific methods to the human sciences and made frequent use of mathematical models in his early work. However, rather than focusing on quantitative methods based on measurement, he emphasized pattern-based and model-driven qualitative analysis to understand social structures. His approach can be seen as an early theoretical foundation for today's computational, pattern-oriented methods. In this context, the study argues that a theoretical continuity can be established between Levi-Strauss's structuralist thought and contemporary computational social sciences through examples that combine computational tools with interpretive methods. It also suggests that common criticisms directed at computational approaches-such as de-theorization, loss of context, and superficial analysis-can be reconsidered through Levi-Strauss'sculturallygrounded, interpretive framework.Thus, structuralist thought is shown to offer integrative analytical possibilities for a digital era that centers meaning, structure, and context.