Democracy Based on Difference: Examining the Links Between Structural Heterogeneity, Heterogeneity of Discussion Networks, and Democratic Citizenship

Abstract

This study explores the direct and indirect links between structural heterogeneity, network heterogeneity, and political participation. We review the often conflicting scholarship on discussion network heterogeneity and political participation and place it within a multilevel conceptual framework of heterogeneity. Based on this integrated theoretical model, our study uses a combination of macro-level and individual-level survey data from various sources. First, we use a cross-sectional national data set, based on a telephone survey with a probability sample of almost 800 adults. Second, we combine these individual-level data with county-level data on religious, political, and racial heterogeneity. Based on these data sets, we develop a path model linking structure, context, and networks into an integrated pathway to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of heterogeneity on political participation. Our results show positive links between structural and network heterogeneity that are both direct and indirect, that is, mediated through various communication processes.Scholars studying heterogeneity and political participation have put forward opposing theories and conflicting evidence as to the relation between the two. Early voting research suggested that cross-pressures, or more generally stated political disagreement, discourages citizens' political participation, whereas more recent studies generally view disagreement within social networks as fostering collective deliberation, awareness, political knowledge, and consequently participation. Moreover, additional research has demonstrated how the context, or social space in which individuals are Corresponding author: Dietram A. Scheufele;

Science communication as political communication

“…These findings are directly consistent with survey-based work in political communication that showed that citizens with more heterogenous networks (i.e., ones in social environments that routinely exposed them to views different from their own) also tended to be better informed about politics and more participatory in the political process (80,81). Most recently, experimental work by communication researcher Michael Xenos et al (82) examined the potential influences of anticipated interactions on information seeking about nanotechnology.…”

Social media and online political participation: The mediating role of exposure to cross-cutting and like-minded perspectives

“…The literature has demonstrated that exposure to like-minded or similar political perspectives contributes to political participation (Dilliplane, 2011;Valenzuela, Kim, & Gil de Zúñiga, 2012). However, many studies have also found a positive relationship between exposure to dissimilar or diverse views and political participation (Kwak, Williams, Wang, & Lee, 2005;Leighley, 1990;Scheufele, Hardy, Brossard, Waismel-Manor, & Nisbet, 2006;Scheufele, Nisbet, Brossard, & Nisbet, 2004). Others have found that exposure to political difference lowers participation (McClurg, 2006;Mutz, 2002).…”

Ciència, públic i nous mitjans. Reflexió sobre el present i el futur de la divulgació científica

“…New media provide opportunities for citizens to connect with others through social media and other 2.0-type tools to make sense of information, and being able to discuss a complex science story in the comments section can be very useful. Indeed, it is clearly established that civil discussions can promote learning, particularly if they are among people holding different viewpoints (Scheufele et al, 2006). In short, the problem is not these discussions taking place, but rather the absence of social reprimand for uncivil behavior online.…”