It’s Time to Stop Calling People "Stakeholders"

Authors

Bethann Garramon Merkle, University of WyomingFollow
Evelyn Valdez-Ward, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Priya Shukla, Strategic Earth ConsultingFollow
Skylar R. Bayer, NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional OfficeFollow

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Abstract

Although the term “stakeholder” has been widely used in science communication, recent expansion in the discourse around the negative connotations of the term necessitate that scientists and practitioners cease using the term. We discuss why this shift is necessary, how it affects our own praxis, and suggest resources for working through more respectful and just language. Looking to the science communication literature can help recalibrate terminology in positive ways.

Recommended Citation

Merkle, Bethann Garramon; Valdez-Ward, Evelyn; Shukla, Priya; and Bayer, Skylar R. (2025) "It’s Time to Stop Calling People "Stakeholders"," Human–Wildlife Interactions: Vol. 19: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/ccc8-e93f
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol19/iss1/4