By: Alice Luo

In 2022, American adults reported declining confidence in scientific institutions, according to the General Social Survey. This major survey about important nationwide topics has been conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago since 1972. The strong rift between views of political parties on science and medicine that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic has largely influenced citizens’ opinions.

The latest General Social Survey shows that 39% of adults had “a great deal of confidence” in science—a decrease from 48% in 2018 and 2021. However, when you look at the political views of the people surveyed, a much more clear image emerges. 53% of Democrats said they had a great deal of confidence, close to the pre-pandemic levels of 55% in 2018. Republicans’ confidence levels, on the other hand, fell from 45% in 2018 to 22%.

“It doesn’t look all that dramatic when you just look at the trends for the overall public,” Jennifer Benz, NORC’s deputy director, said. “But when you dig into that by people’s political affiliations, there’s a really stark downturn and polarization.”

Other institutions, such as the press, education, major companies, and organized religions have also experienced less trust from the public. Notably, confidence in the Supreme Court fell to its lowest in 50 years.

Sudip Parikh, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, feels the need for political parties to unite under science.

“Science must be bipartisan,” Parikh said. “The causes of Alzheimer’s are the same whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat. The fusion that goes on in the sun is the same whether you live in Topeka or you live in San Francisco.”