Karin Thoresson

Research interests

I am interested in the sociology of economic science as framed by perspectives rooted in the interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies. In particular, my research interests are concerned with how economics and politics are co-produced when economics are applied in specific political areas. This goes for valuation tools and practices, which raises questions about the influence of the tools and practices on the object of valuation. For instance; what difference does it make that the measure is monetary when we value things that normally aren’t ascribed economic value? How do valuation practices shape perceptions of worth? Finally, I am also interested in quantification connected to objectivity and authority.

Background

In early autumn 2011, I defended my thesis To calculate the good society. Cost-benefit analysis and the border between expertise and policy in the transport sector (original title in Swedish). The thesis aimed to investigate the mutual shaping between CBA as a method of valuation and transport policy, in Sweden. It draws theoretically on the work of STS scholars, especially Sheila Jasanoff, Thomas F. Gieryn and Theodore M. Porter.

I hold a MA in Sociology from Örebro University (2005).

Ongoing research

At present I participate in several projects, involving research concerning the organization of health care as well as the integration climate objectives in local planning processes. I spend some of my working hours at the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute.

Publications

Thoresson, Karin (2011) To calculate the good society. Cost-benefit analysis and the border between expertise and policy in the transport sector (original title in Swedish). Linköpings universitet, Institutionen för TEMA, Linköping.

Thoresson, Karin (2012) ”Mångfaldig styrning – en teoriöversikt” s. 75-97 i Krohwinkel Karlsson, Anna & Winberg, Hans (red.) På väg mot en värdefull styrning. Ersättningssystem för en sammanhållen vård och omsorg om äldre. Rapport. Stiftelsen Leading Health Care, Stockholm.