How to Write an Urban History of STM on the "Periphery"

Area of Science:

• Urban history of science
• Sociology of science
• Science and technology studies

Background:

• The STEP research agenda has historically overlooked cities as sites of knowledge production.
• Existing scholarship on the urban history of science predominantly focuses on metropolises.
• Scientific culture in "peripheral" urban settings remains under-examined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the gap in understanding science, technology, and medicine (STM) in non-metropolitan urban contexts.
• To investigate the integration of STM into the daily lives and experiences of citizens in these areas.
• To analyze the diverse and often competing concepts of urban modernity.
• To explore the intricate networks connecting these peripheral urban centers.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of historical and sociological data.
• Case study approach focusing on "peripheral" urban contexts.
• Examination of primary and secondary sources related to urban development and scientific culture.

Main Results:

• STM played a significant role in the everyday lives of citizens in peripheral urban areas.
• Conflicting notions of modernity coexisted within these urban settings.
• Complex interurban networks facilitated the exchange of knowledge and practices.

Conclusions:

• Cities, including peripheral ones, are crucial sites for knowledge production in science, technology, and medicine.
• Understanding urban modernity requires examining the interplay of STM, daily life, and intercity connections.
• Future research should continue to explore the scientific culture of diverse urban environments beyond major metropolises.