When Ideology Trumps Science: Rural versus Urban Perspectives on the West Coast

In recent decades it has become clear that science and scientists no longer hold sway as unquestioned authoritative sources of credible information in many high stakes policy debates. In case after case, whether it is climate... [ view full abstract ]

In recent decades it has become clear that science and scientists no longer hold sway as unquestioned authoritative sources of credible information in many high stakes policy debates. In case after case, whether it is climate change, GMO food, immunizations, or stem cell research, for example, science and the scientists responsible for conducting and communicating the applicable research to decision-makers encounter more frequent and direct challenges than ever before. Taken together, these challenges highlight the contested nature of contemporary perspectives on science and its proper role in the policy process, the possibility that policymakers will not take science into account when making decisions, and the fact that citizens in developed countries such as the U.S. are less trusting of science, scientific experts, and government than ever before. Using public opinion data from a 2016 random household survey conducted in California, Oregon and Washington states, this study examines rural versus urban public perspectives on definitions of science and the proper role of scientists in the policy process.  Preliminary findings suggest that rural respondents are less trusting of science and scientist involvement in the policy process when compared to urban respondents. The paper concludes with some suggestions on how to integrate science and scientists in rural contexts.