Mapping ignorance: a scoping review of political and communication studies on ignorance

Abstract

The study of ignorance has attracted a lot of attention from academics in recent decades, especially in the fields of political science and political communication science, to address social issues and improve decision-making processes. This study provides a summary of the growing body of research that explores the meanings, consequences, and origins of ignorance in relation to larger political and communication contexts. It identifies major themes, methodologies and measurements in the research on ignorance by conducting a scoping review of 119 scientific articles published between 2000 and 2023. Furthermore, this review underscores implications for policy-making, educational strategies, and public awareness initiatives, particularly considering contemporary phenomena, such as misinformation, cognitive biases and proliferation of conspiracy theories, which have amplified challenges related to ignorance and information dissemination. It concludes by advocating for more longitudinal studies, critical examination of normative assumptions underlying ignorance studies, and analysis of power structures perpetuating ignorance.