Cultural Exchange in a Heterogeneous Research Field: Approaching Scientific Culture with Anthropological Thought

Abstract

The article examines cultural anthropological approaches to cultural boundaries and cultural change. It suggests that these approaches to cultural change can be made fruitful for understanding how cultural elements spread across different scientific communities, and the possible effects such dynamics could have on the negotiation of boundaries in the field. The article is based on an ethnographic study of nanoscale research and reflects on where to look for moments of boundary transgression in this field that is characterized by its multiple dimensions of inclusion and distinction.