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Government and Science: A Troubled, Critical Relationship and What Can Be Done about It
Author(s) -
Lambright W. Henry
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
public administration review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.721
H-Index - 139
eISSN - 1540-6210
pISSN - 0033-3352
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-6210.2007.00830.x
Subject(s) - nature versus nurture , government (linguistics) , politics , general partnership , context (archaeology) , administration (probate law) , political science , public administration , political economy , sociology , law , biology , linguistics , philosophy , paleontology , anthropology
The U.S. government–science relationship, which helped win World War II, put a man on the moon, unravel the human genome, and nurture economic growth, is troubled. Money is one reason. However, far more than funding, the tensions between government and science are about politics and policy management. Many scientists and their allies argue that the Bush administration has crossed the line separating appropriate control of information from political interference. That is, there has been a “politicization of science.” This essay examines the current debate about politicization in historical context; discusses the tensions among scientists, politicians, and administrators; and suggests possible ways to strengthen the government–science partnership in the future.