Three Blind Spots? A Comment on the Sociology of Science by a Puzzled Outsider

Abstract

A sociologist from another specialism read a selection of literature from the last fifteen years of the sociology of science. Three lacunae were discovered, each an area apparently neglected by sociologists of every theoretical persuasion writing in the sociology of science. These three omissions are: treating science as a variety of work; studying the socialization of scientists and learning environments in science; and researching gender divisions in science. It is argued that neglect of these areas is causing the sociology of science to depart from its own agenda and programme.