Cultural Influence in Science: Conversations with Indian Immigrants in the US Industrial Sector

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Abstract

Scientific activities do not exist in isolation from the general cultural context. Scientists’ and engineers’ cultural background, past knowledge and place of work can influence how they conduct scientific work. Utilizing this assumption, we report findings from National Science Foundation funded study on Indian scientists and engineers employed in the industrial sector. We conducted in-depth interviews with 40 Indian industrial scientists and engineers in 2017-18, some of whom came for higher studies and found employment after graduation, while others came directly from India to work. Findings show that overwhelmingly majority of the respondents (n=35) noted significant cultural differences with their colleagues in conducting scientific work. Only a small number of the respondents (n=5) though acknowledged a cultural difference between their colleagues and themselves, yet believed that the foundation in professionalism eliminated any impacts from cultural dissimilarities. The respondents identified cultural differences mostly in the areas of communication styles, work related practices, thinking process, identity, and educational background. Such factors interact with each other and immigrant scientists and engineers operate in a complex industrial set up at many levels. As we remove each layer of highly valued practical experience and educational prowess, the impact of cultural factors in scientific activities brought by immigrant scientists and engineers become increasingly apparent. When immigrant scientists and engineers join industrial organizations, they do not leave their cultural practices at home as commonly held in the world of science. A conversation with Indian immigrant scientists and engineers shows support for social shaping of science and technology as framed by social constructionist theory.

Authors

• Roli Varma, University of New Mexico

• Meghna Sabharwal