Can communication theory advance research when environmental issues become wicked? The case of microplastics

Anne Gammelgaard Ballantyne; Jean-Paul de Cros Peronard

doi:10.1177/10755470221138271

Can communication theory advance research when environmental issues become wicked? The case of microplastics

Anne Gammelgaard Ballantyne, Jean-Paul de Cros Peronard

Department of Business Development and Technology

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaper › Journal article › Research › peer-review

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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.

Original language	English
Journal	Science Communication
Volume	45
Issue	2
Pages (from-to)	267-276
Number of pages	10
ISSN	1075-5470
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470221138271
Publication status	Published - 2023

Keywords

environmental communication
interdisciplinary science communication
mass media
microplastics
public engagement
public understanding of science

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10.1177/10755470221138271

Can communication theory advance research when environmental issues become wicked.AMAccepted manuscript, 331 KB

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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.",

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Can communication theory advance research when environmental issues become wicked? The case of microplastics. / Ballantyne, Anne Gammelgaard ; Peronard, Jean-Paul de Cros.
In: Science Communication, Vol. 45, No. 2, 2023, p. 267-276.

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaper › Journal article › Research › peer-review

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Can communication theory advance research when environmental issues become wicked? The case of microplastics

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