There are five major systems for social science research, which involve about 100,000 researchers; they are: the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, local academies of social sciences, schools of higher learning, research units affiliated to government agencies and army-affiliated research units.

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, established in 1977, is the top academic organization in the field, by virtue of its comprehensive scope and concentration of human talent, data and research materials. It is responsible for creative theoretical exploration and policy research for the improvement of humanities and social sciences standards throughout China. The Academy has 35 research institutes with over 3,400 researchers, some 2,000 of them senior experts. Many of its members are well known in international academic circles and many young and middle-aged researchers have distinguished themselves in theoretical studies.

According to the Academy's program, by 2006 it will have five academic divisions with both honorary and ordinary members, with academic status almost equivalent to that of CAS academician.