Undone Science

Abstract

This book examines research at the intersection of two literatures—social movement studies and science and technology studies—and it argues that it is now possible to develop a theoretical synthesis of core concepts. The diversification of social movement studies toward non-state targets and institutionalized repertoires of action coincides with the development of science and technology studies toward expertise and publics. As the two fields have diversified in topical focus, they have grown closer to each other, and the conditions now exist for synthesis. The book focuses on industrial transition movements, which are defined as mobilized counterpublics of activists, advocates, entrepreneurs, and other agents of change who seek fundamentally new approaches in the design of industrial technologies, products, and organizations. Often these movements focus on improving the health implications and sustainability of industrial processes and products. They reveal the problem of undone science, or areas of research that could serve a broad public interest but are systematically ignored topics of study. The book examines several main areas of common ground between the two research fields that are relevant to the study of industrial transition movements, public policy, and undone science: repression, information flow, and ignorance; the epistemic dimensions of the political opportunity structure; the material culture and design aspects of frames and meanings in collective action; the development of unique mobilizing structures associated with counterpublic knowledge; the problem of resistance from industrial regimes and the strategies for overcoming resistance; and historical perspectives on the increasing importance of industrial transition movements.

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