Some authors argue that scientific literacy is important for participation in democracy and
political activities. Scientists, for example, may support the development of scientific literacy
because it may help the public to understand science related societal issues and everyday phenomena
and to provide the political support for the activities of scientists as well as provide
opposition to those hostile to the scientific enterprise (e.g., animal rights activists and creation
scientist - see Boujaoude, 2002). Jenkins (1990) gives a number of reasons as to why scientific
literacy is important in a democratic system.