Paper short abstract:

Science communication beyond educated middle classes is crucial. But there’s a lack of an overarching intersectional analysis of excluded audiences. We present a typology of exclusion factors providing a wider understanding of marginalized audiences, opening starting points for inclusive scicomm.

Paper long abstract:

Science communication beyond the scientifically interested and educated white middle classes is no easy matter but all the more important (Scheufele, 2018). The topic has received increasing attention (e.g. Dawson 2019; Judd & McKinnon 2021). However, there is still a lack of systematic overviews – many approaches focus on a limited set of aspects.

We propose a typology of exclusion factors. It builds on an updated research review from Schrögel et al. (2018) and Humm et al. (2020) that attempts to systematize marginalized audiences in science communication and identify the underlying barriers.

A more comprehensive overview with specific starting points for the various identified exclusion factors can provide a basis for a critical reflection and development of a justice-oriented science communication. This input aims to open up a space for discussing intersectional perspectives on science communication practice and research.

Literature

Dawson, E. (2019). Equity, Exclusion & Everyday Science Learning. The experiences of minoritised groups. Routledge.

Humm, C., Schrögel, P., & Leßmöllmann. (2020). Feeling left out: Underserved audiences in science communication. Media and Communication, 8(1), 164–176.

Judd, K., & McKinnon, M. (2021). A systematic map of inclusion, equity and diversity in science communication research: Do we practice what we preach?. Frontiers in Communication.

Scheufele, D. A. (2018). Beyond the Choir? The Need to Understand Multiple Publics for Science. Environmental Communication, 12(8), 1–4.

Schrögel, P., Humm, C., Leßmöllmann, A., Kremer, B., Adler, J., & Weißkopf, M. (2018). Nicht erreichte Zielgruppen in der Wissenschaftskommunikation: Literatur-Review zu Exklusionsfaktoren und Analyse von Fallbeispielen. https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-66846-1