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Revenge of the experts: Will COVID-19 renew or diminish public trust in science?

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  • Eichengreen, Barry
  • Aksoy, Cevat Giray
  • Saka, Orkun

Abstract

It is sometimes said that an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic will be heightened appreciation of the importance of scientific research and expertise. We test this hypothesis by examining how exposure to previous epidemics affected trust in science and scientists. Building on the “impressionable years hypothesis” that attitudes are durably formed during the ages 18–25, we focus on individuals exposed to epidemics in their country of residence at this particular stage of the life course. Combining data from a 2018 Wellcome Trust survey of more than 75,000 individuals in 138 countries with data on global epidemics since 1970, we show that such exposure has no impact on views of science as an endeavor but that it significantly reduces trust in scientists and in the benefits of their work. We also illustrate that the decline in trust is driven by the individuals with little previous training in science subjects. Finally, our evidence suggests that epidemic-induced distrust translates into lower compliance with health-related policies in the form of negative views towards vaccines and lower rates of child vaccination.

Suggested Citation

  • Eichengreen, Barry & Aksoy, Cevat Giray & Saka, Orkun, 2021. "Revenge of the experts: Will COVID-19 renew or diminish public trust in science?," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:193:y:2021:i:c:s0047272720302073
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2020.104343
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Epidemics; Trust; Scientists; Impressionable years;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • F50 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - General
    • I19 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Other

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