One example of such a view is that "viruses have been produced in government laboratories to control our freedom." The European Union conducts the survey every ten years. The innovative aspect of the IVM study is that it investigates these views and approaches as a mixture of two related categories of unjustified beliefs. That of conspiratorial ideas and that of anti-scientific attitudes.
Influence cultural values
The study also examines how cultural values such as personal autonomy, moral equality, and a commitment to the welfare of others have shaped the democratic welfare states of Western Europe. These values stand in strong contrast to the distorted image sometimes portrayed. The research, conducted by researchers Joop de Boer and Harry Aiking, based on 37,079 surveys from 2021 among residents of 38 European countries (including the Netherlands), was recently published in Public Understanding of Science.
Acceptance or rejection of a distorted image
The IVM study shows that individual and cultural factors determine whether people accept or reject a distorted image. This is partly related to science, such as general knowledge, media consumption, impressions of scientists, and attitudes towards scientific products like vaccines. Broader individual factors, such as political (dis)satisfaction, also play a role. Additionally, residents of Western European democratic welfare states are more likely to reject the distorted image than residents of other European countries.
Important role of the COVID pandemic
While the survey did not specifically investigate the impact of the COVID pandemic, it appears to play a significant role. In democratic welfare states, such as the Netherlands, the link between attitudes towards vaccines and responses to the distorted image is much stronger. People with positive expectations about the effects of vaccines are more likely to reject the distorted image, possibly due to their recent vaccination experiences and the cultural values of their country. Still, around 10% in the Netherlands support the distorted image, mainly those who expect negative effects from vaccines and are politically dissatisfied.
Strong connection Western Europe and science
From a broader perspective, the study emphasises that the development of democratic welfare states in Western Europe is strongly connected, and will continue to be, with science. This is not only due to more knowledge but also cultural values that enable autonomous, equality-driven, and public-interest-oriented science. The persistence of the distorted image of science highlights how vulnerable these values are. Since science is crucial for societal change, the researchers see this as a strong argument against cuts in higher education.
Note: Joop de Boer and Harry Aiking are retired, however, they remain affiliated with the Institute for Environmental Studies as visiting researchers.