This document discusses open access in the social sciences. It notes that the social sciences can be vaguely defined and include different disciplines. This explains the different attitudes towards open access within the social sciences. A 2005 German study found that social scientists had less knowledge about open access compared to other disciplines. They published less in open access journals and used open access servers less frequently. However, numerous open access services are available in Germany that are underutilized by social scientists. Recognition and support of open access within individual disciplines may help increase adoption.