Science and Technology Studies
Bubble
Knowledge
Science and Technology Studies (STS) is an interdisciplinary academic community that investigates how science, technology, and society ...Show more
Science and Technology Studies
Bubble
Knowledge
Science and Technology Studies (STS) is an interdisciplinary academic community that investigates how science, technology, and society shape one another. It brings together scholars from sociology, history, anthropology, and philosophy to critically analyze scientific practices and technological change.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
75K
Popularity
Low
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
Discover Related Bubbles
General Q&A
Science and Technology Studies (STS) critically examines how science, technology, and society shape and are shaped by one another, focusing on the politics and processes of knowledge production.
Community Q&A
Science and Technology Studies (STS) critically examines how science, technology, and society shape and are shaped by one another, focusing on the politics and processes of knowledge production.
The community gathers at flagship conferences like 4S and EASST, publishes in specialized journals, and hosts seminars and reading groups to debate theoretical frameworks.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Reflexive Critique
Insider PerspectiveSTS insiders practice constant self-interrogation, critically examining their own assumptions and academic roles to reveal hidden power in scientific knowledge production.
Boundary Blurring
Identity MarkersMembers routinely navigate and merge disciplinary divides—like sociology, history, and philosophy—creating a unique interdisciplinary identity distinct from traditional science or engineering communities.
Theoretical Debates
Community DynamicsLively, often intense seminar discussions center on competing frameworks (e.g., ANT, co-production), with allegiance to theories signaling insider status and shaping community cohesion.
Policing Expertise
Gatekeeping PracticesGatekeeping happens through mastery of dense jargon and critical stances, reinforcing a constructivist epistemology that excludes positivist views often misunderstood outside STS.
Sub Groups
STS Graduate Students
Graduate students in STS programs forming study groups, journal clubs, and online discussion circles.
STS Faculty & Researchers
Professors and researchers collaborating on interdisciplinary projects and publishing research.
STS Practitioners in Policy & Industry
STS-trained professionals applying insights in government, NGOs, and technology sectors.
Interdisciplinary Collaborators
Scholars from sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and history engaging with STS topics.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
Universities & Colleges
30%STS is primarily an academic field, with most core engagement occurring in university departments, research groups, and graduate programs.
Educational Settingsoffline
Conferences & Trade Shows
25%Major STS engagement happens at academic conferences and symposia where scholars present research and network.
Professional Settingsoffline
Reddit
10%Reddit hosts active STS and related academic discussion communities, facilitating interdisciplinary exchange.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Inside Jokes
"ANT walks into a bar... and networks with everything inside it."
A playful pun on Actor-network theory, which treats all entities (including inanimate objects) as actors in a network. The joke highlights the inclusive, somewhat whimsical scope of ANT.
Facts & Sayings
„Co-production“
Refers to the idea that scientific knowledge and social order are produced together, influencing each other dynamically rather than one determining the other.
„Black box“
Used to describe a technology or scientific fact whose internal complexity is hidden or taken for granted once it becomes accepted or standardized.
„Actor-network theory (ANT)“
A theoretical framework that treats both humans and non-humans (like machines or concepts) as equally important actors in networks shaping scientific and technological outcomes.
„Socio-technical systems“
A term emphasizing that technologies and societies are intertwined and must be studied as integrated wholes rather than separate domains.
Unwritten Rules
Never treat science or technology as purely objective or neutral facts.
Recognizing the social construction of scientific knowledge is foundational; ignoring this risks missing core field insights.
Cite foundational theorists like Latour, Haraway, or Bijker respectfully.
These figures are cornerstones of the field, signaling familiarity and respect for the discipline's intellectual lineage.
Engage seriously in theoretical debates even when they seem abstract.
Debates around concepts like co-production or ANT are central to community identity and scholarship quality.
Attend annual conferences if possible to build networks.
Face-to-face interaction at meetings like 4S is crucial for credibility and scholarly integration.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Elena, 29
PhD StudentfemaleElena is a sociology PhD student focused on how emerging AI technologies impact societal norms and ethics within the STS discipline.
Critical ThinkingInterdisciplinarityAcademic Rigor
Motivations
- Understanding the social implications of technology
- Contributing critical perspectives to academic discourse
- Networking with interdisciplinary scholars
Challenges
- Balancing depth of knowledge across multiple disciplines
- Navigating jargon-heavy academic literature
- Seeking funding and publication opportunities
Platforms
ResearchGateAcademic mailing listsUniversity seminars
Actor-Network TheoryTechnoscienceEpistemic Cultures
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
People
Thomas Kuhn
Introduced the paradigm shift concept and historicized scientific knowledge.↗
ClassicsHistory Of Science
Bruno Latour
Founder of actor-network theory and major contributor to laboratory studies.↗
ANT PioneerFrench School
Donna Haraway
Key scholar of feminist technoscience and author of The Cyborg Manifesto.
Feminist STSPosthumanism
Michel Callon
Co-developer of actor-network theory and analyses of markets as socio-technical networks.
Market StudiesANT Co-Founder
Karin Knorr Cetina
Developed the concept of epistemic cultures through detailed laboratory ethnographies.
Lab EthnographyEpistemic Cultures
Sheila Jasanoff
Pioneered studies on co-production and science policy, bridging governance and STS.
Science PolicyCo-Production
Trevor Pinch
Co-originator of the social construction of technology (SCOT) framework.
SCOT FounderTechnology Studies
Harry M. Collins
Partnered with Pinch on SCOT and studied gravitational wave detection.
STS CollaborationExperimental Cultures
Robert K. Merton
Early sociologist of science who introduced the norm of communalism and the Matthew effect.
Norms Of ScienceSociology
Steve Woolgar
Co-authored Laboratory Life and advanced ethnomethodological approaches to science.
EthnomethodologyLab Studies
1 / 3
1 / 3
People
Thomas Kuhn
Introduced the paradigm shift concept and historicized scientific knowledge.↗
ClassicsHistory Of Science
Bruno Latour
Founder of actor-network theory and major contributor to laboratory studies.↗
ANT PioneerFrench School
Donna Haraway
Key scholar of feminist technoscience and author of The Cyborg Manifesto.
Feminist STSPosthumanism
Michel Callon
Co-developer of actor-network theory and analyses of markets as socio-technical networks.
Market StudiesANT Co-Founder
Karin Knorr Cetina
Developed the concept of epistemic cultures through detailed laboratory ethnographies.
Lab EthnographyEpistemic Cultures
Sheila Jasanoff
Pioneered studies on co-production and science policy, bridging governance and STS.
Science PolicyCo-Production
Trevor Pinch
Co-originator of the social construction of technology (SCOT) framework.
SCOT FounderTechnology Studies
Harry M. Collins
Partnered with Pinch on SCOT and studied gravitational wave detection.
STS CollaborationExperimental Cultures
Robert K. Merton
Early sociologist of science who introduced the norm of communalism and the Matthew effect.
Norms Of ScienceSociology
Steve Woolgar
Co-authored Laboratory Life and advanced ethnomethodological approaches to science.
EthnomethodologyLab Studies
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 3-4 weeks
1
Read Foundational STS Texts
4-6 hoursBasic
Summary: Start with key introductory readings to grasp core STS concepts and debates.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in foundational readings that are widely recognized within the STS community. Look for introductory essays, classic papers, and book chapters that outline the field’s major questions, such as the social construction of scientific knowledge, actor-network theory, and the politics of technology. Reading these texts provides essential context and vocabulary, helping you understand the field’s scope and its interdisciplinary nature. Beginners often struggle with dense academic language and unfamiliar theoretical frameworks; take notes, look up terms, and revisit challenging sections. Engage with reading guides or glossaries if available. This step is crucial because it grounds you in the shared knowledge base of the community and prepares you for deeper engagement. Evaluate your progress by your ability to summarize key concepts and recognize major thinkers in STS.
2
Join STS Community Discussions
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Participate in online forums or local reading groups to engage with ongoing STS conversations.
Details: After building a basic understanding, seek out spaces where STS is actively discussed. This could be online forums, social media groups, or local university reading circles. Introduce yourself, share your interests, and ask questions about recent debates or classic works. Observe community norms—STS discussions often value critical thinking and respectful debate. Beginners may feel intimidated by jargon or the depth of discussion; don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications or recommended resources. Engaging with others helps you see how STS concepts are applied and debated in real time, and exposes you to diverse perspectives. Progress is marked by your comfort in contributing to discussions and your ability to follow ongoing debates.
3
Analyze a Science/Tech Controversy
4-8 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Apply STS frameworks to a real-world case, such as a recent tech controversy or scientific debate.
Details: Choose a current or historical controversy involving science or technology—such as debates over climate change, vaccine hesitancy, or AI ethics. Use STS concepts (like social construction, power relations, or actor-network theory) to analyze how different actors shape the debate and how societal values influence outcomes. Beginners may find it challenging to connect theory to practice; start by mapping stakeholders and identifying key narratives. Document your analysis in a short essay or presentation. This step is vital for moving from passive learning to active application, a hallmark of STS engagement. Evaluate your progress by your ability to articulate how STS concepts illuminate aspects of the controversy that might otherwise be overlooked.
1
Read Foundational STS Texts
4-6 hoursBasic
Summary: Start with key introductory readings to grasp core STS concepts and debates.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in foundational readings that are widely recognized within the STS community. Look for introductory essays, classic papers, and book chapters that outline the field’s major questions, such as the social construction of scientific knowledge, actor-network theory, and the politics of technology. Reading these texts provides essential context and vocabulary, helping you understand the field’s scope and its interdisciplinary nature. Beginners often struggle with dense academic language and unfamiliar theoretical frameworks; take notes, look up terms, and revisit challenging sections. Engage with reading guides or glossaries if available. This step is crucial because it grounds you in the shared knowledge base of the community and prepares you for deeper engagement. Evaluate your progress by your ability to summarize key concepts and recognize major thinkers in STS.
2
Join STS Community Discussions
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Participate in online forums or local reading groups to engage with ongoing STS conversations.
Details: After building a basic understanding, seek out spaces where STS is actively discussed. This could be online forums, social media groups, or local university reading circles. Introduce yourself, share your interests, and ask questions about recent debates or classic works. Observe community norms—STS discussions often value critical thinking and respectful debate. Beginners may feel intimidated by jargon or the depth of discussion; don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications or recommended resources. Engaging with others helps you see how STS concepts are applied and debated in real time, and exposes you to diverse perspectives. Progress is marked by your comfort in contributing to discussions and your ability to follow ongoing debates.
3
Analyze a Science/Tech Controversy
4-8 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Apply STS frameworks to a real-world case, such as a recent tech controversy or scientific debate.
Details: Choose a current or historical controversy involving science or technology—such as debates over climate change, vaccine hesitancy, or AI ethics. Use STS concepts (like social construction, power relations, or actor-network theory) to analyze how different actors shape the debate and how societal values influence outcomes. Beginners may find it challenging to connect theory to practice; start by mapping stakeholders and identifying key narratives. Document your analysis in a short essay or presentation. This step is vital for moving from passive learning to active application, a hallmark of STS engagement. Evaluate your progress by your ability to articulate how STS concepts illuminate aspects of the controversy that might otherwise be overlooked.
4
Attend STS Seminars or Webinars
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Participate in academic events to hear experts discuss current research and network with practitioners.
Details: Look for public lectures, webinars, or conferences hosted by universities or STS organizations. These events often feature leading scholars discussing cutting-edge research or methodological debates. Register in advance, prepare questions, and take notes during presentations. If possible, introduce yourself to speakers or other attendees—networking is a valued part of the STS community. Beginners may feel overwhelmed by the depth of discussion; focus on absorbing key themes and noting unfamiliar concepts for later study. Attending events exposes you to the latest developments and helps you understand the field’s evolving priorities. Progress is measured by your ability to summarize talks and identify emerging trends in STS.
5
Reflect and Share Insights Publicly
2-3 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Write a blog post or social media thread summarizing what you’ve learned and your perspectives.
Details: Synthesize your learning by articulating your understanding in a public format, such as a blog post, podcast, or social media thread. Choose a topic or insight that resonated with you—perhaps a concept from your readings or an observation from a seminar. Aim to explain it in accessible language, connecting it to broader societal issues. Beginners often worry about expertise; focus on sharing your learning journey rather than presenting as an authority. This step is important for consolidating knowledge, practicing communication, and signaling your engagement to the community. Progress is evident when you can clearly explain STS ideas and receive feedback or engagement from others.
Welcoming Practices
„‘Welcome to the co-production club!’“
A lighthearted phrase used to welcome newcomers, acknowledging the core STS concept that science and society shape each other.
Beginner Mistakes
Confusing STS with science communication or tech advocacy.
Clarify STS's critical and reflexive position on science rather than just promotion or translation.
Ignoring the political and ethical dimensions implicit in STS analyses.
Always consider how power and values shape scientific and technological practices.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Publish in core STS journals like Science, Technology, & Human Values or Social Studies of Science.
Publishing in field-specific outlets establishes scholarly credibility and familiarity with field debates.
Present and participate regularly at key conferences such as 4S or EASST.
Networking and engaging in live scholarly discussion is essential for integration and recognition.
Demonstrate mastery of foundational theories such as actor-network theory and co-production.
Being able to fluently apply and critique key theoretical frameworks signals advanced field competence.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American STS tends to emphasize critical theory and social constructivism, with strong feminist and postcolonial perspectives.
Europe
European STS often interfaces closely with Science and Innovation Studies (SIS) and focuses more on governance and policy-oriented approaches.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
STS is just science communication or public understanding of science.
Reality
STS critically analyzes how scientific knowledge is constructed and embedded in social, political, and cultural contexts, rather than simply explaining or promoting science.
Misconception #2
STS prescribes technological development policies directly.
Reality
While STS informs policy debates, it primarily aims to understand the dynamics behind science and tech creation, not to dictate specific policy solutions.
