Public opinion
Public Opinion
Public Opinion (pronunciation: /ˈpʌblɪk əˈpɪnjən/) is a complex concept in the field of Social Sciences and Political Science. It refers to the collective attitudes or beliefs held by the adult population within a society or a group.
Etymology
The term "Public Opinion" originates from the French term opinion publique which was first recorded in 1588 by Montaigne. The term was derived from the Latin publicus (public) and opinio (opinion).
Definition
Public Opinion is defined as the aggregate of the individual views, attitudes, and beliefs about a particular topic, expressed by a significant proportion of a community. Some scholars treat the aggregate as a synthesis of the views of all or a certain segment of society; others regard it as a collection of many differing or opposing views.
Related Terms
- Public Sphere: An area in social life where individuals can come together to freely discuss and identify societal problems, and through that discussion influence political action.
- Opinion Poll: An assessment of public opinion by questioning a representative sample, especially as the basis for forecasting the results of voting.
- Mass Media: Diversified media technologies that are intended to reach a large audience by mass communication.
- Political Socialization: The "study of the developmental processes by which people of all ages and adolescents acquire political cognition, attitudes, and behaviors".
- Propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
Importance
Public Opinion plays a crucial role in a democratic society. It can influence policy-making and can also be influenced by various factors such as mass media, political socialization, and propaganda. Understanding public opinion is essential for politicians, policy makers, and researchers in the field of social sciences.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Public opinion
- Wikipedia's article - Public opinion
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