Natural History Societies and Civic Culture in Victorian Scotland

Science and civil society were closely intertwined during the Victorian era, with science being packaged as an appropriate form of civic culture and civic culture being presented as an appropriate context for enabling and supporting scientific progress. Finnegan's study explores the shifting nature of this process in Scotland, highlighting changing social identities as public interest in science was allowed to expand beyond universities and elite metropolitan societies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2021
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

The intricate interplay between science and civil society holds paramount significance in unraveling the profound cultural transformations that unfolded during the Victorian era. Science often found itself packaged as a valuable component of civic culture, fostering virtues essential for societal advancement. Simultaneously, civic culture was perceived as an ideal setting to facilitate and nurture scientific progress. Finnegan's groundbreaking study delves into the evolving dynamics of this intricate relationship, with Scotland serving as the focal point of his argument. By examining the interplay of class, religion, and gender, Finnegan sheds light on the shifting social identities that emerged as public interest in science expanded beyond the confines of universities and elite metropolitan societies. This scholarly exploration not only deepens our understanding of the Victorian era but also provides valuable insights into the enduring dynamics between science, society, and cultural change.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 155 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822966357