October 14th, 2019 | RESEARCH
The last three decades have seen extensive reflection concerning how science communication should be modelled and understood. In this essay we propose the value of a cultural approach to science communication — one that frames it primarily as a process of meaning-making. We outline the conceptual basis for this view of culture, drawing on cultural theory to suggest that it is valuable to see science communication as one aspect of (popular) culture, as storytelling or narrative, as ritual, and as collective meaning-making. We then explore four possible ways that a cultural approach might proceed: by mobilising ideas about experience; by framing science communication through identity work; by focusing on fiction; and by paying attention to emotion. We therefore present a view of science communication as always entangled within, and itself shaping, cultural stories and meanings. We close by suggesting that one benefit of this approach is to move beyond debates concerning ‘deficit or dialogue’ as the key frame for public communication of science.
Document
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Team Members
Sarah Davies, Author, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyMegan Halpern, Author, Michigan State University
Maja Horst, Author, University of Copenhagen
David Kirby, Author, University of Manchester
Bruce Lewenstein, Author, Cornell University
Citation
Identifier Type: ISSN
Identifier: 1824-2049
Identifier Type: DOI
Identifier: 10.22323/2.18050201
Publication: Journal of Science Communication
Volume: 18
Number: 5
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Tags
Audience: General Public | Museum | ISE Professionals | Scientists
Discipline: Art | music | theater | General STEM | Health and medicine
Resource Type: Peer-reviewed article | Research Products
Environment Type: Broadcast Media | Media and Technology | Museum and Science Center Programs | Public Programs | Websites | Mobile Apps | Online Media