In hmolscience, sociochemistry, a truncation of "socio-chemistry" (Michael Fores, 1976) and "social chemistry" (Thomas Huxley, 1871), synonyms to "human chemistry" (E.B., 1851), is the systematic study of the chemical basis of social behavior. [1]
Etymology
In 1976, industrial scholar Michael Fores coined the term “socio-chemistry”, in an unknowing truncational style the older 19th century usage of “social chemistry” by Thomas Huxley, albeit done so in a pejorative manner as something to laugh about: [2]
“Physics deals with matter, and so, oddly, does chemistry. Whereas the matter which is part of living organisms is the subject of biology; or is it the subject of organic chemistry? Sociology is the study of man in groups; whereas psychology is the study of man himself. However, individuals form groups; so some of social behavior is part of individual behavior. And anthropology, with its accent on culture, also deals with man in groups. But so does … We have biochemistry, physical chemistry, biophysics, social psychology. Should there be a door in the House of Science called socio-chemistry or anthro-physics [see: anthropic physics] or eco-zoology (the animal aspects of wider housekeeping)? I think not; but posing the question outlines the activist’s dilemma.”
In 1978, American zoologist Dale Madison was using the phrase “sociochemical susceptibility” in reference to meadow voles. [3]
In 1980, American philosopher Alexander Rosenberg was referring to both “sociophysics” and “sociochemistry” as the “systematic study of the physical or chemical basis of social behavior”. [1]
In 1982, the term "sociochemistry" was being used in reference to worker bee social behavior.
In 1987, Pakistani organometallic chemist Mirza Beg published his New Dimensions in Sociology: a Physico-Chemical Approach to Human Behavior, wherein he applies the methods of physical chemistry to sociology; therein pioneering a new field of study referred to by some as sociochemistry:
“Beg seems to have laid the foundation of a new interdisciplinary branch of knowledge in Pakistan which may be called ‘socio-chemistry’ or the chemistry of society.”
— S.A. Rahim (1990), “The Ideal Society and Ideal Solution” [4]
Beg, however, though he doesn't name his subject of study specifically, would more correctly be defined as: "physicochemical sociology" (see: two cultures namesakes), a physicochemical humanities sociology-focused subject, a truncation of his title.
Quotes
The following are related quotes:
“The answer to sociobiology: sociochemistry.”
— Sidney Harris (1981), cartoon in American Scientist
See also
References
1. Rosenberg, Alexander. (1980). Sociobiology and the Preemption of Social Science (pg. 154). Johns Hopkins University Press.
2. Fores, Michael. (1976). “A Proper Use of Science” (pg. 152), given at conference on manufacturing and management, City University, London, Dec.; in: Manufacturing & Management (editors: Michael Fores and Ian Glover). H.M. Stationery Office, 1978.
3. Madison, Dale M. (1978). “Behavior and Sociochemical susceptibility of Meadow Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) to Snake Predators”, American Midland Naturalist, 23-28.
4. Rahim, S.A. (1990). “The Ideal Society and the Ideal Solution”, paper presented as the General Presidential Address by Prof. Dr. S. A. Rahim, University of Karachi, at the 28th Annual Seminar (June) of the Pakistan Philosophical Congress at Baragali, Peshawar.
Further reading
● Cullen, William R. and Capper, Peter. (2008). Is Arsenic an Aphrodisiac?: the Sociochemistry of an Element. RSC Publishing.
External links
● Sociochemistry – Wiktionary.