Resist, scientist! Countering degradation rituals in science

Authors

Sandrine Therese, University of QueenslandFollow
Brian Martin, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

94873

Publication Details

Therese, S. & Martin, B. (2014). Resist, scientist! Countering degradation rituals in science. Prometheus: critical studies in innovation, 32 (2), 203-220.

Abstract

When the work and reputation of scientists suffer ritual degradation, a range of tactics can be deployed to resist and rework the psychological and social impacts. Five key resistance tactics to degradation in science are revealing degradation rituals, redeeming the reputation of the targeted scientist, reframing the degradation as unfair, redirecting attention to other domains, and refusing to cooperate with the rituals. These tactics are illustrated through three case studies of scientists targeted for conducting research threatening to the interests of powerful groups.