Varieties of Awe in Science Communication: Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Practitioners' Experiences and Uses of This Emotion. Issue 3 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silva Luna, Daniel; Bering, Jesse M.
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 44:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 374
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: awe -- cultures of science communication -- thematic analysis -- interviews -- constructionist view of emotion; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Sociology of -- Periodicals; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Communication of technical information -- Periodicals; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Information scientifique -- Périodiques; Information technique -- Périodiques; Communication en sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Communication en médecine -- Périodiques; 300.14
• DOI: 10.1177/10755470221098100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

Awe is a valued emotion in science communication and assumes a variety of functions in relation to the cultural mandates of the various spaces where it is represented. Based on a reflexive thematic analysis of interviews with 22 science communication practitioners, we constructed seven themes referencing this emotion's various sociocultural roles in this space. These included the functions of awe in entertainment, curiosity, admiration, revelation, and connection. Drawing from a constructionist view of emotions, we argue that these varieties of awe co-construct many of the differing, and sometimes conflicting, mandates that circulate in the culture of science communication.