On the relationship between the sociology/sociologies of science a that of technology: Steps towards a dynamics of mutual benefits.

Abstract

In 1984, boosted by developments in the sociology os science -especially by the Empirical Program of Relativism (EPR)-, Pinch and Bijker launched their model for the Social Construction of Technology (SCT) in the field of technology sociology. Even though the relationship between these two conceptual frameworks was initially conceived in terms of mutual benefit, EPR has always influenced SCT, and not vice versa. This article suggests how such dynamics of mutual benefit may be implemented. This aim is achieved by analizing the way in which SCT has evolved as a result of criticism about its connection to EPR. Such analysis shows that the evolution of SCT indicates significant paths of development for EPR in the future.