Sustainability Science and Expertise: Sociological Perspectives

The course addresses the differences between basic research and applied research in the social sciences, as well as between researcher-driven research and research conducted on behalf of various public and private interests. Applied social science and the expertise it generates is knowledge that is developed and refined in collaboration with various social interests. How has this expertise changed over time in relation to various transformations in the economy and society? The course aims to improve students' knowledge of and ability to reflect on the challenges that come with taking on the role of social science expert and authority in society and offering qualified advice to public and private organizations. By analyzing social science expertise from perspectives drawn from the sociology of science and the sociology of expertise, the course clarifies not only the differences between basic research and applied research, but also the differences between policy-oriented social science and public social science/sociology. The course particularly emphasizes the challenges of conducting social science studies of environmental science and expertise, for example, climate and sustainability research. This also includes how social scientists can collaborate with various actors to enable new forms of participation (e.g., citizen science) to promote sustainable development and climate change mitigation.