This text provides a general framework for understanding, combining and applying the rich range of approaches that exist within sociology about science: in particular, the role (and limitations) of science in generating knowledge, and the relationship between scientific knowledge and social progress.

PART ONE: EMERGENCE AND INNOVATION.- An Introduction to Issues and Forebears.- The Perspective of this Book: Reflexive Epistemological Diversity.- Risk and Technoscience: The Fusion of Society, Science and Technology Today.- PART TWO: THEORETICAL APPROACHES.- Science and Institutional Interests: The Strong Programme and Beyond.- Science and Language/Interaction: Ethnography and Discourse.- Science and Capitalism: Critical Theory and Critical Realism.- Science and Patriarchy: Women as Subjects/Objects of Science.- PART THREE: CASE STUDIES.- Second Nature: Genetic Modification and Commodification of the Non-Human.- Human Nature? Human Behaviour and Genetic Determinism.- Medical Genetics and Human Health.- PART FOUR:.- Conclusions: Reflexive Epistemological Diversity (RED).- Tables.

'One of the best introductions I have seen to science studies. Giving more than just a pedantic survey, Matthew David provides a rich and detailed understanding of how social science can address natural science, and offers his own perspective on salient controversies in science.' - Professor Stanley Aronowitz, Graduate Centre, City University of New York 'Matthew David's book is a good place to learn about the many approaches to the sociology of science without being trapped by any one academic fashion.' - Professor Harry Collins, Cardiff University 'The outstanding merits of the text are its extraordinary breadth of coverage of literature and its citation of case studies. An impressive text with an original perspective.' - Professor Barry Barnes, University of Exeter 'Bravo! At last a text in the social studies of science which refuses to fall into the micro/macro divide in the field, but instead seeks to bring perspectives together.' - Professor Hilary Rose, City University, London

'One of the best introductions I have seen to science studies. Giving more than just a pedantic survey, Matthew David provides a rich and detailed understanding of how social science can address natural science, and offers his own perspective on salient controversies in science.' - Professor Stanley Aronowitz, Graduate Centre, City University of New York 'Matthew David's book is a good place to learn about the many approaches to the sociology of science without being trapped by any one academic fashion.' - Professor Harry Collins, Cardiff University 'The outstanding merits of the text are its extraordinary breadth of coverage of literature and its citation of case studies. An impressive text with an original perspective.' - Professor Barry Barnes, University of Exeter 'Bravo! At last a text in the social studies of science which refuses to fall into the micro/macro divide in the field, but instead seeks to bring perspectives together.' - Professor Hilary Rose, City University, London

In a field that is very fractured by opposed theoretical positions, this book offers a welcome overview and synthesis The book has a clearly defined structure and easily accessible approach for the student, using a range of supplementary examples and case studies Science and Technoscience are topical issues in society, and include subjects such as genetics, cloning and public trust in science