Science communication as a wicked problem: Revisiting the paradigms of deficits

2026/07/02 by Simone Rödder, Peter Weingart · 2 voices
Social Sciences · #Climate Change Communication and Perception #Information Systems Theories and Implementation #International Science and Diplomacy

paper · doi:10.1177/09636625261458663

openalex publication_date 2026/07/02 · openalex created_date 2026/07/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22

Abstract

This article explores the persistent troubles in the relation of science and its publics through a sociological lens. It conceptualises science communication as a wicked problem, a systemic challenge involving boundary negotiations across differentiated social worlds. We then examine how actors themselves interpret this wicked situation. We find that multiple paradigms of deficits, that is, master discourses of narrating this wickedness as crises, have become prominent. Over time, these crises have centred on issues of knowledge, trust, participation, and, most recently, political action. Yet, earlier crisis discourses do not disappear; instead, they persist alongside their successors. In conclusion, we call for a reflexive approach that critically examines how actors' categories and discourses shape problem perception and communication strategies. The article advocates for avoiding normative allegiance to single master discourses and emphasises the importance of empirical investigation of the relation of science and its publics across periods, countries, and disciplines.

Citations

• The Third Wave of Science Studies
• Public uptake of science: a case for institutional reflexivity
• Why should we promote public engagement with science?
• New kids on the block: taking stock of the recent cycle of climate activism
• Between evidence first and political fight – understanding dynamics of (de-)politicization in US climate movements’ future narratives
• Climate actions by climate and non-climate researchers
• The enduring challenge of ‘wicked problems’: revisiting Rittel and Webber
• Science knowledge and attitudes across cultures: a meta-analysis
• Dilemmas in a general theory of planning

Discussions

• As a long-time fact-checker, I've learnt that misinformation is a wicked problem. Climate change is another. Lately, I've been wondering whether science communication belongs on that list too. A paper [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]
• Effective science communication starts with recognising complexity, not assuming there's one audience, one problem, or one right approach. → doi.org/10.1177/0963... 2/3 [bsky, 0 points, 1 comments]