Afterword: Science popularization, dictatorships, and democracies

Area of Science:

• History of Science
• Political Science
• Science Communication

Background:

• Science popularization is often linked to liberal-democratic societies.
• The Francoist regime in Spain was a dictatorship.
• Understanding science communication under authoritarianism is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the existence and role of science popularization in Francoist Spain.
• To draw general conclusions about science popularization in dictatorial regimes.
• To explore the specific historical context of Francoist Spain.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of case studies on science popularization in Francoist Spain.
• Drawing general conclusions from empirical evidence.
• Comparative analysis with propaganda in democracies.

Main Results:

• Science popularization occurred within the Francoist dictatorship.
• Popularization served to legitimize the regime.
• Dictatorships exhibit internal complexities and vulnerabilities.
• Propaganda tactics in dictatorships may parallel those in democracies.

Conclusions:

• A liberal-democratic public sphere is not a prerequisite for science popularization.
• Science popularization can be a tool for regime support.
• Studying science popularization in dictatorships offers insights into propaganda.
• Francoist Spain's science popularization was shaped by its unique history and context.