US political conservatives have deep, unbudging suspicion of science

Why do right-wingers distrust science?

Mary Van Beusekom, MS

A University of Amsterdam study concludes that politically conservative Americans are more skeptical of science than previously thought, including that from fields that contribute to the economic growth and productivity they typically value.

The findings, published in Nature Human Behaviour, were based on the survey responses of 7,800 US adults on their views on 35 different scientific fields such as anthropology, biology, and atomic physics by political leaning. 

The team also tested five interventions designed to increase trust in scientists among conservative participants. The interventions addressed the reasons why people may distrust science, including its perceived misalignment with moral values or the idea that scientists are not part of their group. The interventions highlighted how scientific results aligned with conservative beliefs or showcased conservative scientists.

"Since the 1980s, trust of science among conservatives in America has even been plummeting," senior author Bastiaan Rutjens, PhD, said in a University of Amsterdam news release. "Science is also increasingly dismissed in some circles as a 'leftist hobby' and universities as strongholds of the leftist establishment."

Climate, medical, social scientists most distrusted

Liberal respondents had more confidence than their conservative peers in all 35 scientific professions—not just in fields that align with their priorities (eg, climate change, inclusion) but also in industry-focused areas. 

Conservatives were most skeptical of climate scientists, medical researchers, and social scientists. "This is likely because findings in these fields often conflict with conservative beliefs, such as a free-market economy or conservative social policies," Rutjens said.

The difference in trust was smaller for technical and applied fields such as industrial chemistry. "These fields are more focused on economic growth and productivity," he said. "But it remains striking that even here, conservatives show lower trust. Their distrust extends across science as a whole."

All interventions unsuccessful

None of the five interventions to boost trust in science succeeded—even when the message aligned with conservative values—which the researchers said reflects relatively stable attitudes that would require more complex and time-consuming action.

We need stronger interventions that make science truly personal. 'What can science contribute to your life, here and now?'  - Bastiaan Rutjens, PhD

"This does not mean it is impossible, but these short interventions do not work to make science more transparent and reliable for certain groups," Rutjens said. "We need stronger interventions that make science truly personal. 'What can science contribute to your life, here and now?'"

He added that he can't predict how scientific distrust will change over time. "Extreme things are happening in America right now," he noted. "But even here in the Netherlands we are seeing unprecedented discussions being held around science, sometimes accompanied by significant distrust."