The British Sociological Association's Sociology of Science Study Group

Abstract

This brief note is intended to provide some information about the Study Group and its activities since its formal inception at the 1969 Easter BSA conference. At that time the sociology of science was not really firmly established as a distinct sub-area of sociology, and most people interested in it were primarily either sociologists of organizations and of education, or connected with the then growing 'science of science' area. While papers presented at recent meetings of the group reflect a wide range of interests, I think that there is now a clearer notion of what the sociological study of the sciences involves, and greater recognition of its distinct identity. Most papers have accepted, and often vigorously propounded, that a sociology of scientific knowledge is possible, and the theoretical and epistemological implications of this view have been extensively discussed. Indeed, a major means of demarcating this area from others has been the emphasis on theoretical aspects of understanding scientific knowledge: the influence of Kuhn was undoubtedly considerable in this respect. This has led to some papers being concerned with issues in the sociology of knowledge and the philosophy of science, as well as with general questions of sociological theory. A further indication of the impact of Kuhn's work has been the growth of historical case studies of particular scientific developments, and some of these have been presented to the study group in recent years. Another aspect of the sociological study of the sciences which has been discussed in the study group meetings is the relation between science as a process of cultural reproduction and other production structures. Originally conceived as 'the study of science and society', this aspect is now more often considered under such headings as 'the industrialization of scientific work' and 'state incorporation of the sciences'. Science is perceived more as one part of the cultural system rather than as an entity separate from society. As with many BSA study groups, that on the sociology of science is a very informal affair. We usually meet at least four times a session during term time, and occasionally at the BSA annual conference. One paper is the focus of attention and, since 1971, there has been a discussant to open general discussion. Last year there was a meeting where two papers were presented in an afternoon, but this seemed a little too concentrated. However, some sort of 'batching' of papers could be tried again if suitable partners occurred. When we arranged a