Sociology of science and technology in Brazil: an analysis of articles in A1 sociology journals published between 2010 and 2018

Abstract

This article analyzes articles in Sociology of Science and Technology (SST) published in Brazilian academic journals classified as Qualis A1 in Sociology between 2010 and 2018. To do so we examine data on the volume, type, and distribution of publications, as well as its most frequent themes, empirical objects and concepts. By doing so, we expect i. to describe articles’ profile; ii. to identify how they are distributed among journals and research institutions, iii. to examine trends in relation to the most frequent themes and iv. to draw parallels with Brazilian Sociology. We conclude that SST is a growing field, whose production focuses on certain themes, empirical objects, academic journals, and institutions. We also question why important themes for social studies of science and technology (ESCT) have difficulty accessing journals in this stratum and which issues in sociology of science and technology (SCT) could be better explored in future research.

Keywords: Sociology of science and technology; Social studies of sciences and technology; Bibliographic survey; Scientific journals; Academic production