STS0. Lecture 3: Studying science as a tribe

Summary

In this lecture, the speaker explores the complexities of ethnography in studying science and technology, highlighting the critical reflections of Moss, an academic who faced backlash for his book on policy and administration. Despite receiving mostly positive feedback, a minority of colleagues accused him of misrepresenting their work, leading to intense conflict. Moss's experience underscores the challenges of presenting dissenting narratives in academia and the importance of respectful dialogue and ethical engagement. The lecture concludes with a thought-provoking question about perception, inviting reflection on the nuances of professional relationships.

Takeaways

• 📚 Ethnography is a powerful tool for studying science, as it enables researchers to gain deep insights into scientific practices and contexts.
• 🤝 Building relationships with key actors in scientific fields is crucial for conducting effective ethnographic research.
• 🔍 Engaging with scientists and engineers requires navigating social and institutional hierarchies, which can complicate access.
• ⚖️ Researchers must balance their critical perspectives with the potential repercussions of their findings on the subjects being studied.
• 💬 The process of feedback and revision is essential in academic writing, as illustrated by Moss's experience with his colleagues.
• 📅 Conflicts can arise when colleagues feel their work is misrepresented, highlighting the importance of clear communication and ethical considerations.
• 📝 Moss's experience demonstrates that dissenting voices may resist critical narratives, seeking to rewrite or censor challenging perspectives.
• 🔗 Offering opportunities for collaborative dialogue can be beneficial, but it may not always yield participation or constructive engagement.
• 💔 The challenges faced in publishing critical work can lead to significant emotional and professional turmoil for the researcher.
• 🎨 The metaphorical question about color suggests that understanding complex situations requires more than surface-level engagement; deeper insights are often necessary.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the lecture series discussed in the transcript?

The lecture series primarily focuses on ethnography and its application in studying science and technology, exploring the relationships between knowledge, power, and social contexts.

Who is rt moss, and what was the initiative he undertook?

Rt Moss is a scholar who undertook the initiative of writing a critical reflection on his experiences and those of his colleagues in the field of policy and administration.

What feedback did Moss receive on his draft book?

Most colleagues provided strong endorsements, describing the work as balanced, truthful, and insightful, while a small minority, particularly those in managerial roles, objected strongly to the account.

What was the nature of the conflict between Moss and some of his colleagues?

The conflict arose from objections to Moss's portrayal of their work, which some colleagues deemed unfair and disrespectful, leading to demands for a complete rewrite of the book.

How did Moss attempt to resolve the disagreement with his colleagues?

Moss offered his colleagues the right of reply, suggesting they could write an epilogue or create a website to present their perspective, but received no interest in these options.

What ethical concerns were raised by Moss's colleagues regarding his book?

Colleagues reached out to Moss's academic managers and publisher, claiming he had breached ethical guidelines, arguing that the absence of praise in his account constituted harm.

What does the term 'informed consent' imply in the context of Moss's situation?

Informed consent refers to the understanding and agreement of participants regarding how their contributions are represented, implying that Moss had secured consent from his colleagues for the portrayal of their work.

What practical challenges are associated with ethnographic research as highlighted in the lecture?

The challenges include gaining access to the subjects of study and the complexities involved in navigating relationships with powerful actors, making it difficult to publish critical work.

What did Moss's experience reveal about the academic environment?

Moss's experience illustrates the difficulties and tensions in academic environments when presenting less-than-complimentary accounts of influential colleagues or institutions.

How does the lecturer conclude the discussion on ethnography and its challenges?

The lecturer concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricacies of ethnographic research and the potential for conflict when engaging with scientists, engineers, and other social elites.