Who supports science-related populism? A nationally representative survey on the prevalence and explanatory factors of populist attitudes toward science in Switzerland.

ABSTRACT: Science and its epistemology have been challenged by science-related populism-a variant of populism suggesting that a virtuous "ordinary people," and not allegedly corrupt academic elites, should determine the "production of truth." Yet almost no studies have assessed the prevalence of science-related populist attitudes among the population and explanatory factors thereof. Based on a nationally representative survey in Switzerland, our study shows that only a minority of the Swiss exhibit science-related populist attitudes. Comparisons with reference studies suggest that these attitudes may be less prevalent in Switzerland than political populist attitudes. Those who hold stronger science-related populist attitudes tend to have no university education, less personal contact with science, l

SUBMITTER: Mede NG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9359586 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature