Sociology of Science: A Critical Canadian Introduction

Sociology of Science: A Critical Canadian Introduction provides an overview of how sociology approaches science and, to a lesser extent, technology. It examines how science developed as a set of theories about both what we know and how we know. The book provides a succinct critical examination of the current state of science studies with a particular emphasis on research conducted by Canadian scholars. Hird illustrates that science studies offers useful perspectives on current and ongoing sociological debates, such as the strengths and limitations of social constructionism, as well as popular public debates, such as the ethics of stem-cell research. Using examples from throughout history and with a focus on the Canadian context, the book provides students with an examination of influential science studies concepts, theories, and debates and situates these theories and debates within contemporary field of sociology.

Myra J. Hird is professor in the sociology and obstetrics/gynecology departments at Queen’s University. Her research and teaching interests span the areas of science studies (including philosophy of science, sociology of scientific knowledge, and epistemology), health science, transdisciplinarity, knowledge mobilization, sexual difference, sexuality (including trans, transsex, and intersex), ethics and social justice, violence, feminist theory, and queer theory.