The COVID-19 mirror: reflecting science-society relationships across 11 countries

Abstract

Twelve researchers from 11 countries used autoethnographic techniques, keeping diaries over 10 weeks of the COVID-19 crisis, to observe and reflect on changes in the role and cultural authority of science during important stages of viral activity and government action in their respective countries. We followed arguments, discussions and ideas generated by mass and social media about science and scientific expertise, observed patterns and shifts in narratives, and made international comparisons. During regular meetings via video conference, the participating researchers discussed theoretical approaches and our joint methodology for reflecting on our observations. This project is informed by social representations theory, agenda-setting, and frames of meaning associated with the rise and fall of expertise and trust. This paper presents our observations and reflections on the role and authority of science in our countries from March 10 to May 31, 2020. This is the first stage of a longer-term project that aims to identify, analyse and compare changes in science-society relationships over the course of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Perception of COVID-19 Vaccination in Italy: The Role of Trust and Experts’ Communication

“…Moreover, information and health procedures have been communicated through a variety of media: radio, television, newspapers, institutional websites, and social media. Unlike other countries [ 15 ], however, in Italy the mediatisation of science [ 16 – 18 ] has started since the beginning of the pandemic: the Italian media have given a daily visibility to a variety of experts—virologists, epidemiologists, but also physicists and data scientists—often providing different and sometimes even contradictory views on the evolution and management of the pandemic.…”

Exploring transformative policy imaginaries for a sustainable Post-COVID society

“…Although it was beyond the scope of this study to attribute opinions and storylines to each of these actor categories, future research could further explore i.e., how different actor groups use pandemic-related storylines to legitimate their own interpretation of sustainability. As national contexts may vary, media outlets reporting in different languages may provide additional interesting insights (see e.g., Metcalfe et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Given the relatively few scientific investigations on COVID-19 in the media so far (see e.g., Cinelli et al, 2020 ; Metcalfe et al, 2020 ) it becomes interesting to explore what collective ways of thinking and seeing the pandemic are transmitted by the mass media and how these may or may not influence policies focused on sustainable development. Such collective “imaginaries” may configure and/or disrupt present political decision-making along with societal behaviors ( Wesselink et al, 2013 ; Yusoff and Gabrys, 2011 ).…”

Cities coping with COVID-19

“…Unlike other countries, interventions were based on public trust in authorities; Swedes were expected to follow recommendations such as distancing, sanitation and staying at home (Metcalfe et al 2020).…”