Theorizing reputation: the case of science as a social world

Reputation occupies a central position in the arts, the economy, science and various other social worlds. Although sociologists have examined facets of reputation, the existing literature remains fragmented. In this article, we suggest an integrative view of what reputation does, rather than what it is. Taking stock of theoretical engagements with reputation, we propose a social worlds perspective to examine and theorize reputation as a means of orientation within social worlds along the dimensions of selection, motivation, and community-directedness. Using science as a case study, we demonstrate how reputation facilitates the selection of what to engage with, how it motivates participants, and provides a basis for peer control and broad legitimation. A notable strength of the social worlds perspective is its capacity to integrate and highlight various levels of activity that constitute social worlds. Rather than focusing on the specific advantages and disadvantages that reputation generates and reinforces, we concentrate on its broader ordering and orienting role within social worlds. By integrating and extending existing approaches, in conclusion we outline a research agenda centred on comparative engagement with reputation.