Abstract
We are beginning a new series of review essays that cover emerging themes within STS as catalyzed by recently published books in the field. Unlike traditional book reviews, these lengthier essays lend perspective by setting the books’ themes in the wider context of intellectual and methodological achievements, position those books within current debates and research trajectories, and indicate what conceptual and empirical work remains to be done. Review essays contribute to STS scholarship, and so reviewers are asked to think broadly and imaginatively about the reviewed books, and will be provided the latitude and space to do so.
Why are we doing this? In an average month, we may receive twenty or thirty new books broadly relevant to STS. We could try to publish brief reviews of many books, but find that reviewers are not motivated to write brief and timely book notes, and publishing such notes may not be the best use of scarce journal pages. Review essays that cover multiple books are more informative and, more importantly, they will promote integrative understanding across multiple threads of STS thought. STS today is an established field with long-standing conceptual themes and a diverse lineage. From its historical roots in history, philosophy and sociology, and its strong ties to anthropology and feminist studies, STS today engages information and communication studies, post-colonialism and development, policy and law, and fields engaged in technology design and “making,” to name a few. As STS reaches new domains of inquiry, it becomes increasingly necessary and valuable to draw these multiplying intellectual threads back together and synthetically integrate ideas, findings, and approaches. The new review essays will seek to tie contemporary investigations to “classic” STS discoveries, explorations, and debates that have constituted the field and that will shape its future.
In this issue, we kick off the series with Christian Daye’s review of STS of the social sciences and humanities. In the coming months, ST&HV will publish review essays on promising new threads and recently revitalized staple topics such as Internet governance and development.
Review essays will be peer reviewed (under the editorship of David Ribes), and otherwise treated as regular article publications, rather than as book reviews. Please let us know if you are interested in undertaking a review for ST&HV.