What is the main claim of Lidskog and Sundqvist regarding environmental expertise?

• A. Expertise is solely based on individual scientists' cognitive abilities.
• B. Credibility depends on membership in specific groups within scientific communities.
• C. Expertise is random and unpredictable.
• D. Expertise is identical across all fields regardless of institution.

Answer: (B)

Expertise in environmental matters is produced through social processes within scientific communities. Lidskog and Sundqvist argue that who is regarded as an expert depends on membership in recognized groups, such as professional associations, research networks, and institutional affiliations. These groups lend credibility through shared standards, peer validation, and access to platforms for scrutiny, so expertise isn’t just about individual cognitive ability but about social legitimacy within the field. When someone belongs to the right networks and institutions, their assessments carry more trust with policymakers, journalists, and the public. The idea that credibility comes from group membership captures why authority in environmental science often hinges on social position and connections, not merely on personal skill or luck.