Science is political, but not just because of identity. That absolutely exists, but science is political at a core, institutional level too. Let’s talk about it: (1/8)
Science claims itself as a (and often times THE) fundamental medium for understanding reality. That’s a huge claim, with huge consequences. I usually think of science as a political institution in 3 ways:
1. Scientific results are politicized. This is the surface level politics that most people recognize. Tobacco companies pay for research saying tobacco isn’t that bad. Politicians claim that global warming research implies specific economic policy.
Data can only make specific scientific claims; any extrapolation of those claims is inherently political.
2. Access to science is political. This is related to the realization a few white scientists have had recently, but is a little more subtle. Because access to science is too often a function of class, race, gender, etc...
...the questions asked, methodologies used, and perspectives considered are often framed in context of those privileged identities. Access to information like textbooks and journals are often drawn along these same lines.
3. Scientific framing is political. Science makes many assumptions about the nature and structure of reality. Reliance on empiricism coupled with the class-exclusionary nature of academia means that scientific empiricism often finds itself fighting against epistemic tribalism.
This could be its own thread, but the take away is that science oftentimes fails to justify its own epistemology without assuming it a priori. Why should we default to this worldview if our lived experiences (real or perceived) contradict it?
Understanding science as a political institution is integral to fighting against inequality & abuse, both within science as well as in its relationship with the rest of society.

Science isn’t truly objective, unbiased, or apolitical, and it’s important that we treat it as such
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