About Resource
As the terms “civic science” and “community science” increase in popularity, so does the tendency for them to be misused, with their origins forgotten. This article is a reminder that terminology matters, especially when naming emerging fields of study. The term “community science” originally described a particular confluence of grassroots organizing, community data collection, and accessible technology, but is now being used to describe a wide variety of practices in both academic and community organizations.
Dosemagen takes readers through the historical progression of terms, which starts in the early 2000’s, when early versions of social media allowed for new conversations questioning the traditional top-down model of Western science. “Civic technology” gained traction as a term for people who used science to answer their own questions. As these efforts slowly progressed and a set of standard practices were developed, “civic science” became the popular term to describe them. This term encompassed action-oriented collaborative scientific efforts that helped to distribute power. Nevertheless, these efforts were often housed within academic institutions; the term “community science” was born to distinguish projects that were more democratically owned within a community.
How to Use
This resource is relevant to any organizations that use, or plan to use, any of these terms to describe their scientific work with communities. Throughout the article, specific examples help bring out the subtle differences between “civic technology”, “civic science”, and “community science.” Organizations can use the definitions presented in this comprehensive nomenclature to identify the umbrella under which their community work falls, thus allowing them to think more critically about the terms they use to describe their practices.
For those organizations who are interested in “civic science” in particular, Dosemagen provides a clear framework for how the Public Lab has engaged in such work. This framework incorporates four stakeholder groups: educators, web developer designers, scientists, and community organizers. Together, they ask questions, test tools, process and interpret data, draw conclusions, and advocate. While the “civic science” model portrays the educators and scientists as those who ask questions, “community science” instead gives more agency to community members in choosing the direction of research. Dosemagen also provides a set of practices that remain important in community and civic science alike. This list is important for organizations to take into account at each stage of their community work.
Author(s)/Organization: Shannon Dosemagen
Publication Year: 2020
Tags
Attributes:Centers Community Priorities, Equity-Focused, Respects Community Strengths
Outcomes:Capacity for Civic Engagement, Strong Community Partnerships
Approaches:Civic Engagement & Policymaking, Community-driven Citizen Science
Type:Reports & Articles