{"title":"Can Communication Theory Advance Research When Environmental Issues Become Wicked? The Case of Microplastics","authors":"A. Ballantyne, J. Péronard","doi":"10.1177/10755470221138271","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"This commentary reviews current empirical trends focusing on microplastics in the social sciences and discusses how science communication and media research can make meaningful contributions to advancing scientific contributions on social constructions of microplastic pollution. We present our case by defining microplastics as a “wicked” environmental issue, characterized by complexity in many ways. Reviewing scientific literature on microplastics in the social sphere, we reflect on how communication and media studies can contribute relevant insights to advance the empirical knowledge base on microplastic pollution as well as strengthen the theoretical and methodological rigor in these scientific endeavors.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":"45 1","pages":"267 - 276"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1000,"publicationDate":"2022-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Science Communication","FirstCategoryId":"98","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470221138271","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"COMMUNICATION","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This commentary reviews current empirical trends focusing on microplastics in the social sciences and discusses how science communication and media research can make meaningful contributions to advancing scientific contributions on social constructions of microplastic pollution. We present our case by defining microplastics as a “wicked” environmental issue, characterized by complexity in many ways. Reviewing scientific literature on microplastics in the social sphere, we reflect on how communication and media studies can contribute relevant insights to advance the empirical knowledge base on microplastic pollution as well as strengthen the theoretical and methodological rigor in these scientific endeavors.
期刊介绍:
Science Communication is a prestigious journal that focuses on communication research. It is recognized globally for publishing top-quality manuscripts that demonstrate excellent theoretical frameworks and robust methodology. Our journal embraces a broad definition of science, encompassing not only the natural and physical sciences but also social science, technology, environment, engineering, and health. Regardless of the scientific area, effective communication is always the focal point of our investigations.
Apart from theoretical and methodological rigor, we place great emphasis on the practical implications of scientific communication. Therefore, we expect all submitted manuscripts to address the real-world applications and significance of their research, alongside theoretical considerations.
In summary, Science Communication is an internationally renowned journal dedicated to bridging the gap between science and society. By promoting effective communication in various scientific domains, we strive to engage readers with intriguing research that has tangible implications for the world around us.