Conservative people in America appear to distrust science more broadly than previously thought. Not only do they distrust science that does not correspond to their worldview. Compared to liberal Americans, their trust is also lower in fields that contribute to economic growth and productivity. Short interventions aimed at strengthening trust have little effect. This is apparent from new research by social psychologists at the University of Amsterdam, which has now been published in Nature Human Behaviour.
  • faythofdragons@slrpnk.netEnglish
    4·
    2 months ago

    It makes sense to me. Conservative media likes to portray “science” as an unfair threshing rod that separates the wheat (career academics) from the chaff (you and I). College is expensive, so the popular perception is that normal people can’t be scientists, you either have to be rich, or sell out for grants. Studies are locked behind paywalls, which furthers the idea that science is only for the select few, and the media says you’re just not good enough for science.

    Then there’s the vibe that saying “this doesn’t make sense” just outs you as a lolcow to be mocked mercilessly. Combine that with an understanding of “anecdotes aren’t data” as “your experiences don’t matter”, and it makes sense that they feel like science is hostile.

    • perestroika@slrpnk.netMEnglish
      2·
      2 months ago

      Going by surveys, there does exist a considerable divergence in attained education levels.

      Among supporters of a certain conservative political masterpiece (name starts with T), there is a strong trend towards lack of education. Which often enough, though not always, means “stupid”.

      Among conservative politicians themselves, there does not seem to be such a strong correlation. Implying that they aren’t uneducated, and some might be intellectualy quite capable. They have just made a choice. Some of them might be fairly depressed right now, but keeping a stiff upper lip.

      Whether the masterpiece himself has made a choice or is stupid, is a good question. Judging by what’s available to me, he exibits signs of fairly limited knowledge, attention, self-criticism and self-control. Whether that’s due to age or other reasons, another good question. But certainly not a master strategist.

      Source: Newsweek Trump approval tracker