Persistence of the Deficit Model in Japan's Science Communication: Analysis of White Papers on Science and Technology. Issue 3 (1st September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ishihara-Shineha, Seiko
• Is Part Of: East Asian science, technology and society. Volume 11:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 305
• Page End: 329
• Publication Date: 2017-09-01
• Subjects: science communication -- public understanding of science -- deficit model -- science and technology policy -- Japan; Science -- East Asia -- Periodicals; Technology -- East Asia -- Periodicals; Science; Technology; East Asia; Periodicals; 306.46095
• DOI: 10.1215/18752160-3819961
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1875-2160

Abstract

Abstract : Given the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, Japan is at a major point to reevaluate its policies on the public communication of science. However, the government's self-reflection on their measures and policies of science communication has been inadequate. This study reviewed and analyzed descriptions of science-related public communication in the successive Japanese white papers on science and technology (S&T) from 1958 to 2015 with quantitative-qualitative hybrid approaches. Traditional enlightenment activities have always been given higher priority, even after the S&T Basic Plan aimed at two-way science communication, and have used such justifications as "the shying-away of young people from S&T, " "accountability for research investment, " and "problem-solving on issues related to S&T and society, " without considering the reality of science communication.