Challenges to Science Education in Troubled Times

Ciência & Educação (Bauru) 2021, 27, e21000. http://www.scielo.br/pdf/ciedu/v27/en_1516-7313-ciedu-27-e21000.pdf

We are experiencing moments of regression regarding democracy, human rights, social justice and the well-being of individuals, societies and the environment. A number of communities suffer politically, emotionally and physically because of a society that does not take care of all its members, ignoring those who are most vulnerable and subjecting them to deplorable living conditions and discriminatory and persecutory behaviors due to ignorance, prejudice and intolerance.

The negative effects of neoliberalism and globalization have intensified, and social and political institutions seem unable or unwilling to respond effectively to multiple instances of injustice. Social asymmetries have worsened, perpetuating a system that benefits only a small minority, at the expense of the environment, the uncontrolled and unsustainable exploitation of resources and the suffering and exclusion of the majority of the population.

Many citizens do not feel empowered to understand or make decisions about the social and environmental problems that affect their communities and – at the same time – the confidence in political representatives has diminished and political apathy has gained ground, making room for populist movements and a likely 'democratic recession'.

The ignorance among a significant portion of the population of what science is, associated with the misinformation disseminated by certain groups creates an environment that is conducive to the appearance and proliferation of distorted and erroneous views and anti-science movements.

The global political and social climate is saturated with anger, fear, misinformation, distrust and discouragement. Political polarization spreads around the globe and has repercussions on divisions and conflicts between countries and within communities and families.

How can we counter this situation from the perspective of science education? What challenges does science education face in tackling the causes of such problems and injustices?