Island Time

Theory Groups and the Social Production of Scientific Knowledge

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

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Beskrivning

Theory groups are small research groups who develop a new scientific theory and work together to promote its acceptance by the scientific community. This book offers a pioneering analysis of theory groups by reconceptualizing them as socio-emotional collectives characterized by evocative group cultures and emergent small group processes that enable their members to conceptualize new theories and champion new intellectual movements that cut against the status quo in their fields. Utilising data from a fifteen-year, multi-sited ethnography of a theory group in sustainability science, it investigates the significance of faith, solidarity, fun, and flow episodes for developing transformative science. Chapters also explore the importance inter-generational group dynamics for advancing new theories, and of specific geographic locations such as remote islands for fostering creativity. This gripping first-hand account is an essential read for those wishing to understand the conditions that support transformative scientific creativity and the social dynamics of intellectual movements.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2026-01-08
Mått:157 x 235 x 20 mm
Vikt:567 g
Format:Inbunden
Språk:Engelska
Antal sidor:280
Förlag:Cambridge University Press
ISBN:9781009222488

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Mer om författaren

John N. Parker is professor of sociology at University of Oslo. He has published in American Sociological Review, Sociological Theory, Sociological Methods and Research, and other journals. He directed the US National Science Foundation's Science and Technology Studies program and consults on how to organize scientific teams for creativity.

Recensioner i media

'Academic theory groups reveal the intersection of social psychology and intellectual history. Sociologist John Parker has masterfully revealed the complexities of shared presence in his comprehensive and engaging account of the ecological Resilience Alliance: its rise and challenging present. Finding private spaces to develop hypotheses and friendships is crucial in producing secure knowledge. This volume is the next best thing to spending island time with these creative and congenial researchers.' Gary Alan Fine, James E. Johnson Professor of Sociology, Northwestern University, and author of Tiny Publics: A Theory of Group Action and Culture

Innehållsförteckning

1. Introduction; 2. Case study and methods; 3. Hot spots and hot moments; 4. The good times are killing me; 5. The rays and the grays; 6. Conflict in public places; 7. Theoretical drift; Collapse; Transformation; Conclusion; References.