Exploring inequalities in science through a multi-method study of forest research
- Nelius Boshoff, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
- Susanne Koch, Technical University of Munich, Germany
Different strands of science studies, including scientometrics and sociology of science, have produced a large body of works focused on specific dimensions of inequality manifesting at macro-, meso- and micro-levels of academia. However, the persistent divide between these works prevents a more holistic understanding of how social inequalities in a given field are interlinked and shape the knowledge it generates. Our multi-method study on inequality and its epistemic effects in forest research addresses this gap. Drawing on Bourdieusian sociology of science as a meta-theoretical frame, our project links bibliometrics, ethnography and content analysis to examine how gender- and geography-related inequalities affect scientific practices, the distribution of capital and knowledge outcomes in the field. In the first part of our presentation, we explain how we operationalise Bourdieusian theory for empirical study, and present selected bibliometric analyses of global forest science, and selected findings from a comparative database representation study and comparative content analysis focused on Tanzanian forest science. In the second part, we move from the macro- to the micro-level, sharing qualitative insights from the ethnographic research carried out in the context of our multi-method project. We specifically zoom into African-European research projects on forests and show how and why inequalities are reproduced in international collaborations, regardless of formal project constellations and contrary to individual intentions. The analysis highlights collaboration habitus as a concept explaining discrepancies between desired forms of collaboration and actual collaboration practice.
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Nelius Boshoff is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He specialises in research uptake and the broader impact of research, research collaboration, and bibliometric analysis with a focus on research in Africa. He holds a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from Stellenbosch University, on the topic of knowledge utilisation in the South African wine industry. He also holds a Master’s degree (Cum Laude) in Research Psychology from the same university. His most recent work is focused on bibliometric studies of inequality in forest science, and a study of the wider societal value of research and the consequences of its assessment. Nelius is the author of several peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals and more than 100 research reports and contributions to research reports.
Dr. habil. Susanne Koch is a sociologist of science at the Department of Science, Technology and Society (STS) of Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany. She investigates the interrelations between (in-) equality and inclusion, knowledge diversity and valuation in global science, with an empirical focus on environmental research fields. Susanne holds a PhD in Sociology with highest distinction from the University of Bielefeld, and a Habilitation from TUM. Since 2022, she leads the project “Science as a field of struggle: a multi-method study of inequality and its epistemic effects in forest research (In-Forest)”, a collaboration with the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) at Stellenbosch University, the Centre for Science and Technology Studies at Leiden University and the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). A particular methodological interest of hers lies in linking sociology of science and scientometrics, and in advancing mixed-methods science studies. Her interdisciplinary research contributes to science-policy discourses on equity, diversity and inclusion, and the transformation of science for sustainability.
