Confronting Demographic Denial: Retaining Relevance in the Millennium

Finding Pathways to More Equitable and Meaningful Public-Scientist Partnerships

“…However, current citizen science participants do not reflect US demographics, with historically underserved populations continuing to be underrepresented (Pandya 2012). Although data are lacking, indications are that demographic profiles of citizen science participants reflect the imbalance among those pursuing higher education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (Campbell 2002, Jolly 2002, and those in science professions (Fig. 3).…”

A framework for engaging diverse communities in citizen science in the US

“…Research on methods for broadening attendance at science centers and other informal venues is also relevant to citizen‐science programs. The challenge of balancing work responsibilities with informal activities is a factor contributing to the lack of socioeconomic and ethnic diversity at science centers (Jolly 2009). The cultures and norms of these centers (and perhaps those of citizen‐science projects) are sometimes unfamiliar (Jolly 2009) or even unwelcoming (Levine et al .…”

“…2000), increasing knowledge of a scientific discipline (Brossard et al . 2005; Jolly 2009), valuing science (Wilderman et al . 2004), and benefiting from associated preservation or sustainability outcomes (Wilderman et al .…”

Citizen science in ecology: a place for humans in nature

“…What are the barriers that limit participation? Marginalized groups have often been underrepresented in citizen science projects, 49 due in part to reluctance to participate in science due to a lack of comfort with the process or time constraints from work or other commitments 89,90 . This can confine participation to only certain areas and particular residents who may not hold the same values and opinions of the local community as a whole 91 .…”

“…Although definitions of citizen science often assume that participation is voluntary, and therefore not something done for money, practitioners may want to consider the possibility of extending paid positions to their participants. As stated above, underrepresented and marginalized communities may be unable to participate in citizen science due to other commitments, including working commitments 89,90 . These volunteers may be spending not only time but also money, whether through transportation, child care, or opportunity costs, that they cannot easily afford.…”