Sociology of Nuclear Research in India

Abstract

The ‘sociology of science’ underlines that the development of science and scientific knowledge is not autonomous from social influence and can be analysed using the tools of sociology. On the other hand, Indian nuclear research is considered an autonomous institute without being influenced by even parliamentary politics. This paper tries to analyse these two opposite aspects to understand whether Indian nuclear research and its knowledge are autonomous from the influence of the social milieu. Out of the general aspect of science and society in the concept of ‘sociology of science’, this paper takes a particular aspect of the nuclear programme and Indian society and analyses the relation between them. It analyses the social and religious influences on the structure, function and outcome of nuclear research in India. Sociologists consider Indian society a traditional society in which religious and other social norms have to play a significant role in daily life. The influence of religion and religious norms is reflected in government policy-making and scientific research institutions’ structure and procedures. But, since India does not have a uniform social system and values, the ideas followed by influential personalities get prominence in the final outcome. So sociology of the Indian nuclear programme needs to consider the social background of such individuals and the dominant social norms of each period. The paper concludes that the autonomy of nuclear research institutes and lack of accountability of them does not mean they are beyond the influence of social norms, but this hierarchy and uncritical acceptance itself is a product of the nature of the Indian social system.