So what roles do society, politics, and economics play in science?
Economics determines how much money is available to fund scientific research. Certain federal grants come directly out of the national economy, which determines if certain research projects can continue or are cut off.
Politics affect science by passing some bills that directly affects science, congressmen can determine whether those funds from the economy will be used for research or not. Just a side note: wealthy lobbyists control alot of what politicians do, by donating millions into their election campaigns.
Society affects science by our citizens democratically electing those politicians that we think will or will not endorse scientific research projects.
For example, embryonic stem cell research has been under fire by conservatives for taking future babies' cells to study. Liberals, however, tend to be in favor of change and new advances scientifically
