Science Associations And Identity:British Science Culture Of Middle Class1714-1837

The George Dynasty (1714-1837) was a historical period of great transformation. This paper attempted to discuss a process in which the middle class participated in the scientific and cultural expression, and gradually established their own values as well as identity in order to grab the opportunity to gain access to the elite world of cultural hegemony through a variety of science associations and their activities from the late18th century to the early19th century. In the process of interaction with other groups, the realization of social stratification was promoted.In social and economic fields, the18th century was a period in which great changes had took place. Urban renaissance was developed on the basis of pursuing wealth. The population grew, the cities expanded and the economic developed. New trade forms emerged and caused people to change their ways of life and consumption. In the age when the economy entered a new development stage of growth, consumption had become the baton to lead the English economy forward. Traditional aristocratic elite confirmed their identity and consolidated the status through consumption activities, especially the luxury consumption which exceeds the need of basic survival. The rapid expansion of the luxury economy was facilitated, consequently more and more people acquired access to the upper classes. Coupled with the encouragement of cultural traits resulted from economic development, the goal of switching between money and status freely was likely to achieve. In this process, the affluent middle class became the biggest beneficiary. They had got the opportunities to go upward, and received the position alongside the aristocratic. As a result, the social structures remodeled, new and more diverse elite began to appear.In the ideological and cultural traditions, British society had got a legacy of pursuing science and reason for a long time. As the practitioner of such ideal, upper class encouraged the gentleman-scholar image to exerted influence on themselves and society as a whole. They viewed science which was represented by natural knowledge as part of the general culture. Middle class emulated this ideal in order to enhance their status. Moreover, British impelled the concept of enlightenment and progress to become the center of the cultural life of the upper and middle classes, and achieved social control at the same time. On a practical level, a variety of voluntary groups had been appearing, and studied as well as communicated in the atmosphere of rational. A cultural environment which was conducive to easy exchange formed consequently. Therefore, middle class began to participate in cultural life to improve their own influence. Socio-economy and ideological culture both laid the foundation for them.In the late18th century, along with the industrial revolution, scientific enterprise of middle class was flourishing and spreading over the country. In traditional perspective, British science was long been believed to promote the emergence and development of the industrial revolution, was the accompanying phenomenon of economy. The focus of scholars was its relationship with industry. However, it has been found that quite a few participators were the members of middle class, such as local medical men, clerks, merchants, manufacturers, lawyers and artisans. They had no memorable scientific achievements but were not unsuccessful scientists. For them, science was just a beneficial interest which enriched their lives, made like-minded friends, and enhanced their social status by showing their cultural characteristics if possible.In the meantime, the culture and ideal of science had increasingly become a discourse which was accepted by the whole society and could self-consolidate. In concept, science began to make contact with the easiness and politeness of social conversation, liberal education and shaping of the complete personality. In practice, scientific instruments came into the market just like coffee, tobacco and so on. They became popular among the middle class. Science had transformed from external pursuit to a kind of psychological needs of ordinary people in late18th century.Activities of one class must be considered in the background of the society as a whole. Middle class was always in touch with other groups. On the one hand, the inclusiveness of science was the interconnected channel of middle class and aristocracy. Science has always been regarded as part of the general culture and a kind of intellectual pursuits in which every gifted man could take part. The middle class seized the opportunity to get into the elite world through the expressions and trials in science culture. It could be viewed as one of the forms of social mobility. On the other hand, the exclusiveness of science was deeply reflected in the relations of the middle and lower classes. The door of science had been closed until quite recent times for the working class. The middle class had begun on the enterprise of popular education till the early19th century. Nonetheless, their fundamental purpose was not to improve the working class status but to express their own superiority. The goals of establishing status and cultural hegemony were realized consequently.The aim of this paper is to see through British science associations and its activities in the late George Dynasty, so as to analyze the cultural factors of middle class hidden behind them. Middle class science activities and other aspects of social life, and even the entire process of social transformation should be linked together. A new breakthrough for the study of middle class culture is expected to set up.