The Spiral of Silence and Public Opinion on Affirmative Action

Abstract

This study sought to more fully explicate the key variables involved in Noelle-Neumann's spiral of silence theory, which states that fear of isolation keeps individuals from expressing opinions perceived to be in the minority. We tested the theory in the context of public discussion about affirmative action policies, a domain seemingly ideal due to its moral and value-laden characteristics. Data from 217 randomly selected adults in October 1998 indicate that fear of isolation indeed prevents one from publicly voicing perceived minority opinions. Willingness to speak out on a controversial ballot initiative was predicted also by demographics, media use, and importance of the issue. However, it was perceived consonance of one's opinion with family and friends—rather than society at large—that predicted willingness to speak out.

Backlash or a Positive Response?: Public Opinion of LGB Issues After Obergefell v. Hodges

“…Scholars note how forming an opinion on a public issue is a process, not something that is straightforward or taken-for granted. Indeed, people form opinions in interactions and dialogues with others and engagement with media (Christen & Gunther, 2003;Eveland & Scheufele, 2001;Hoffman et al, 2007;Huckfeldt & Sprague, 1995;Moy, Domke & Stamm, 2001). In this way, scholars note that processes of communication are important in forming an opinion about a public issue, which is why we address whether people discuss gay rights (Hypothesis 3).…”

Boundary Struggles: Contestations of free speech in the Norwegian public sphere

“…Liu & Fahmy, 2011;Moy et al, 2001;Perry & Gonzenbach, 2000). We are, however, interested in variations between the private and the public sphere, and therefore expand this approach by studying variations between the private and the public opinion climates.…”

“…Another question concerns the impact of the general, abstract public as compared to the impact of peers and relevant reference groups. Several studies have shown that opinions held by family and friends are more important when deciding whether to speak out (Glynn & Park, 1997;Krassa, 1988;Moy, Domke & Stamm, 2001).…”

“…the fear of isolation (Moy, Domke & Stamm, 2001). For example, Pollis and Cammalleri (1968) pointed out that people's tendency to conform may quite easily be broken if they receive support from just one relevant other, or if they enter the setting together with a friend.…”

“…We followed the strategy used in several studies (e.g. Liu & Fahmy, 2011;Moy, Domke, & Stamm, 2001;Perry & Gonzenbach, 2000) and assessed perceived opinion climate by means of a question distinguishing between opinion congruence in different contexts. More specifically, respondents were asked to estimate how many people they believed shared their opinion on the issue (1) among close family and friends, (2) people living in the municipality, and (3) among people living in Norway in general.…”