Making Sense of Science
Understanding the Social Study of Science
- Steven Yearley - University of Edinburgh, UK
Sociological Theory
Eileen Crist, Associate Professor, Science & Technology in Society, Virginia Tech
Science is at the heart of contemporary society and is therefore central to the social sciences. Yet science studies has often encountered resistance from social scientists. This book attempts to remedy this by giving the most extensive, thorough and best argued account of the field and explaining to social scientists why science matters to them.
This is a landmark book that demystifies science studies and successfully bridges the divide between social theory and the sociology of science. Illustrated with relevant, illuminating examples, it provides the ideal guide to science studies and social theory.
Yearley's 'Making Sense of Science' is a fantastic introductory text on the Sociology of Science. We do not have time in class to explain the theoretical underpinnings of each of the main standpoints in the Sociology of Science, and so this text provides students with the necessary groundwork to understand each different approach. Certainly an essential read.
Making sense of Science is an elegant book summarizing the main theories, approaches, debates and controversies in the field of Social Studies of Science and Technology. The book can be of particular interest for postgraduate students arriving the field from different backgrounds. Yearley’s book is an effective textbook for introductory disciplines about the social character of science and technology. It also provides a nice roadmap for the reader go deeper in these discussions and improve the understanding about Science in Society.
A clear and vivid reference on the social study of science.
The book provides a good overview of the STS field and makes for a fine textbook.
Excellent overview of science studies, useful as background reading for debates underpinning the course
Sage College Publishing
