Science in the Modern World Polity: Institutionalization and Globalization

Drori, Gili S.; Meyer, John W.; Ramirez, Francisco O.; Schofer, Evan

ISBN 10: 0804744920 / ISBN 13: 9780804744928

Published by Stanford University Press, 2002

About this Item

Seller Inventory # BSM.16A12

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Science in the Modern World Polity: Institutionalization and Globalization
• Publisher: Stanford University Press
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0804744920
• ISBN 13: 9780804744928
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: very_good

About this title

Synopsis

This book presents empirical studies of the rise, expansion, and influence of scientific discourse and organization throughout the world, over the past century. Using quantitative cross-national data, it shows the impact of this scientized world polity on national societies. It examines how this world scientific system and national reflections of it have influenced a wide variety of institutional spheres―the economy, political systems, human rights, environmentalism, and organizational reforms.

The authors argue that the triumph of science across social domains and around the world is due to its institutionalized cultural authority rather than to its instrumental utility for societies or for their dominant elites. Thus, following the Stanford approach to institutional theory in sociology, the book emphasizes the symbolic or religious role science plays in the modern world.

About the Author

Gili S. Drori is Lecturer in the International Relations Program, Stanford University. John W. Meyer is Professor of Sociology Emeritus at Stanford University. Francisco O. Ramirez is Professor of Education at Stanford University. Evan Schofer is Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Minnesota.