Science capital

Results from a Finnish population survey

Bibliographic Data

ID20403077
AuthorsJohanna K Kaakinen (0000-0002-2970-826X, University of Turku, corresponding author), Sari Havu-Nuutinen (0000-0001-5502-6361, University of Eastern Finland), Tuomo Häikiö (0000-0001-6272-0255, University of Turku), Hanna Julku (0000-0001-8426-7885, University of Helsinki), Teija Koskela (0000-0001-7331-5212), Mirjamaija Mikkilä-Erdmann (0000-0003-1569-794X, University of Turku), Milla Pihlajamäki (0000-0002-7875-8714, University of Helsinki), Daria Pritup (0000-0003-3460-0066, University of Turku), Kirsi Pulkkinen (0000-0002-7474-9618, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Finland), Katri Saarikivi (0000-0002-4669-9561, University of Turku), Jaana Simola (0000-0002-8273-685X, University of Helsinki), Valtteri Wikström (0000-0001-5994-0708, University of Turku)
Year2025
Volume34
Issue6
Pages770-790
Publication date2025-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePublic Understanding of Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0963-6625 • E-ISSN: 1361-6609
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/09636625241310756
PMID39950215
OpenAlexW4407585670
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited43

This study examined science capital among Finnish adults ( N = 1572), who responded to 37 survey items assessing science capital. Factor analysis suggested four science capital dimensions: visiting science-related places, science attitudes, science-related self-efficacy, and early support for studying natural sciences. Higher education and higher parental education were linked to higher science capital across all dimensions. Older participants exhibited lower science-related self-efficacy, less early support, and more negative science attitudes than younger respondents. Age and education were stronger predictors of science-related self-efficacy and early encouragement for men than women, and mothers’ education had a weaker effect on science-related self-efficacy for men. The results show that science capital is a multidimensional construct and highlights that younger generations in Finland have had more opportunities to develop their science capital. These findings emphasize the need for early and equitable support to foster positive science attitudes and participation

Pedagogy · Political science · Population · Science communication · Science education · Sociology · Demography · scientometrics and bibliometrics research

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