Cited by 10,847History of Science and Natural HistoryDiverse Historical and Scientific StudiesHistorical Studies and Socio-cultural Analysis

Institutional Ecology, `Translations' and Boundary Objects: Amateurs and Professionals in Berkeley's Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, 1907-39

Star, Susan Leigh, Griesemer, James R.·1989·Social Studies of Science

Abstract

Scientific work is heterogeneous, requiring many different actors and viewpoints. It also requires cooperation. The two create tension between divergent viewpoints and the need for generalizable findings. We present a model of how one group of actors managed this tension. It draws on the work of amateurs, professionals, administrators and others connected to the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California, Berkeley, during its early years. Extending the Latour-Callon model of interessement, two major activities are central for translating between viewpoints: standardization of methods, and the development of `boundary objects'. Boundary objects are both adaptable to different viewpoints and robust enough to maintain identity across them. We distinguish four types of boundary objects: repositories, ideal types, coincident boundaries and standardized forms.

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Crossref · 10.1177/030631289019003001

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Authors
Star, S. L., & Griesemer, J. R.
Affiliations
  • University of California, Irvine (US)
  • University of California, Davis (US)
Venue
Social Studies of Science
Published
1989-08
Volume
19
Issue
3
Pages
387-420
ISSN
  • 0036-8539 (ISSN-L)
  • 0306-3127
  • 1460-3659
OpenAlex
W1971670344
Cited by
10,847
References
23
Citations by year
2026: 733 · 2025: 625 · 2024: 536 · 2023: 566 · 2022: 620 · 2021: 605 · 2020: 605 · 2019: 581 · 2018: 501 · 2017: 515 · 2016: 512 · 2015: 484 · 2014: 504 · 2013: 437 · 2012: 525
FWCI
47.36
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Social Studies of Science (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History and Philosophy of Science › History of Science and Natural History
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History and Philosophy of Science › Diverse Historical and Scientific Studies
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History and Philosophy of Science › Historical Studies and Socio-cultural Analysis
Keywords
institutional ecology, boundary objects, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, method standardization, ideal types, repositories, standardized forms

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