Science and Technology

The sociology of science and technology includes two closely related fields: the sociology of science and the sociological study of technological innovation and change. Training in the sociology of science stresses analysis of the social, political, and cultural factors that shape scientific knowledge, disciplines, and careers. The sociological study of science is also aimed at understanding the interrelations between science and other social institutions. The sociology of technology includes themes such as the impacts and implications of particular technologies and practices in realms such as agriculture, environment, and medicine; analysis of the nature of technological risks, risk assessment methods, and the validity of “risk society” theories; and the relations between technology and public policy. The connections among science, technology, and society are of critical importance in both fields.