ERIC Number: EJ1389234
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2154-8455
EISSN: EISSN-2154-8463
Is Citizen Science Queering Science? An Exploration of the Personal Dimensions of Engaging LGBTQ+ Citizen Science Volunteers
International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, v13 n2 p116-130 2023
Citizen science, a field and practice that commonly involves 'non experts' engaging in scientific activities, is an avenue of science engagement that commonly results in increased scientific knowledge, literacy, and skills for the volunteers that participate. In recent years there have been increasing efforts to better understand the myriad outcomes for participants including how personal dimensions of these citizen science volunteers, such as their identities, background, cultures, and experiences, contribute to their relationships with citizen science as well as the broader field of STEM. While previous studies have acknowledged the lack of demographic diversity in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status, there remains little record of the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of citizen science volunteers. The aim of this study was to understand the personal dimensions of engaging LGBTQ+ volunteers in citizen science including the relationships between their queer and science identities. Based on the perspectives and experiences of 14 LGBTQ+ citizen science volunteers as shared in semi-structured interviews, this article suggests that citizen science practitioners have the potential to reduce barriers faced by queer citizen science volunteers by taking actions and enacting strategies that welcome, respect, involve, and retain LGBTQ+ participants.
Descriptors: LGBTQ People, Citizen Participation, Volunteers, Self Concept, Science Projects, STEM Careers, Individual Characteristics, Cultural Influences, Background, Social Influences, Barriers
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A