The Polarization and Politicalization of Trust in Science
You’re invited to join Jamie Druckman, professor of political science at the University of Rochester, for an American Politics Speaker Series discussion sponsored by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and the Center for American Political Studies.
In-Person Event
Ash Center Seminar Room, Room 225 Suite 200N, 124 Mount Auburn Street
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm EDT
Related Programs
You’re invited to join Jamie Druckman, professor of political science at the University of Rochester, for an American Politics Speaker Series discussion sponsored by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and the Center for American Political Studies.
Registration is encouraged but not required. This event series will not be recorded.
This event is open to Harvard ID holders only. Lunch will be served.
Abstract
The 21st century of American politics has been defined by various types of polarization. One notable example involves that around science. In 2000, there was no science partisan divide and in 2022 it was notable. While analysts have studied the origins and evolution of polarized trust in science, there has been virtually no work that directly connects it with political outcomes. This is a notable gap given trust in science reflects a fundamental epistemological choice that presumably influences political beliefs and collective action. We offer a set of expectations that we test with secondary survey data, a new survey, and an experiment. We find that polarized science shapes partisan animosity, support for political compromise, and willingness to politicize science. Polarized trust in science not only affects politics, but, conversely, political divides are underpinned by substantive beliefs about knowledge.
About the Series
The United States is a crossroads. How can Americans connect to each other in deep and meaningful ways, despite holding drastically different political world views? What are the causes and consequences of our nation’s historic levels of partisan polarization? Just how far can democratic backsliding go? The American Politics Speaker Series (APSS) aims to bring together scholars who are doing research on these and other important questions. Hosted jointly with the Center for American Political Studies and chaired by Professors Benjamin Schneer and Justin de Benedictis-Kessner, each session will highlight a scholar whose research is at the forefront of the study of American politics.
Event Details
The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. Should you wish to enquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu prior to the event.
Additional questions? Email the Ash Center events team at info@ash.harvard.edu.