The social processes of production and validation of knowledge in particle physics: Preliminary theoretical and methodological observations

Abstract

This paper explores the complementarities and differences between Bourdieu's Field Theory and Social Network Analysis from both a theoretical and methodological perspective. The argument is applied to a case study about the social production and validation of knowledge in particle physics in Italy. The methodological choices that have lead the research project are presented and justified, and provide a good example about the strengths and the weaknesses of the two theoretical perspectives combined. While the Field Theory approach allows mapping the combination and distribution of symbolic capital within a social structure of objective relationships, SNA is useful to analyze the concrete set of interactions within physicists, in which the dynamics of power, alliances, conflicts and exchange take place. Data have been collected using a mixed method strategy, which entails desk research, on line questionnaires and qualitative interviews. Some potential strategies for analyzing the data are presented in the discussion section.