Science studies in the Netherlands and their social role This article discusses the social role of science studies in the Netherlands. By 'science studies', I mean the disciplines of history, philosophy, and sociology of science. I examine the interactions of science studies with three partners: society as a whole, natural scientists and practitioners of other sciences, and the educational system in the Netherlands. My main thesis is that science studies can potentially play a greater social role than most other academic disciplines. Their role at present is small, however, partly because of choices made by their practitioners and partly because of disregard, incomprehension, and even hostility towards science studies among sectors of the academic community. 1 propose three initiatives to expand the social role of science studies in the Netherlands: to exploit the forthcoming switch to the BA-MA degree system in Dutch universities by developing attractive MA programmes in science studies; to set up a research project in science studies into the low participation of women in Dutch science; and to establish a rapid-reaction unit to respond to developments in science in the media, raising the visibility of science studies in public debate.