A different interpretation of science-society relations: The socialization of scientific and technological research

Abstract

Recent data delivered by Eurobarometer show how Europeans tend not to perceive science and technology as important factors for the Europe's future. While showing the scarce development of scientific culture in Europe, these data allow to understand how science and technology are exposed to risk of social marginalization, notwithstanding the results they are attaining. In order to interpret this quite contradictory picture, an analytical framework revolving around the notion of " science and technology socialization" is proposed and developed. Implications of such an approach on research policies, on citizens' participation and on the role of social sciences are also briefly examined.