The image of science: how people percept S&T achievements

Abstract

In the previous issue we examined in detail the "image" of science that has emerged among the Russians at the beginning of XXI century. In this case, we presented relatively contradictory views of the widest strata of the population: on the need for state support of science on research priorities (economic development, improved healthcare and education, the environment and strengthening national defense); on unfairly low prestige of scientists as compared with other professions but at the same time on the positive attitudes to academic careers of their own children; about sluggishness of innovative behavior and the negative impact on him by the media. The four general attitudes - "paternalism", "faith in science", "technicism" and "syndrome of crumbling science." It should be noted that the "faith in science" approach is manifested in the form of strong scientistic positions and hopes for it in instrumental terms, but it is not supported by personal cognitive interest. We try to illustrate it in this publication. The article presents the results of six Russian representative opinion surveys conducted in 1995-2006. For international comparisons we use data from surveys implemented in the countries of the European Union, published in special Eurobarometer reports and materials from the report by the National Science Foundation, reflecting the results of similar surveys in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, China and Malaysia.