Post on 22-Dec-2015
Constructing public Opinion
Justin Lewis
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Resistance and Consent in Public Opinion
Public Opinion and Public PolicyDoes the success of a conservative business agenda in the US indicate broad public support for such a program?
Public Opposition to Business AgendaOn any number of economic issues, public opinion is more far more liberal than that of the elite political establishment.
Elites: Socially Liberal, Economically Conservative
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Resistance and Consent in Public Opinion
Political Economy of Power: Lewis ArgumentThe nation’s conservative business agenda is not a product of direct public approval or consent. Rather, it is a consequence of specific political economy geared to elites interests.
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Resistance and Consent in Public Opinion
Features of Elite-Governed Political System 1) Weak Campaign Finance Reform 2) Weak Political Parties 3) Powerful Lobbying Groups 4) Public Relations Driven Campaigns
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Resistance and Consent in Public Opinion
Structuring Public Opinion: Views of Donors v. VotersCenter For Responsive Politics found that donors were politically far to the right of general public.
“Donors tend to be mainly wealthy, upper-status men, who tend to have conservative views, especially on economic issues.” (Green, Herrnson, Powell and Wilcox 1988)
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Deflecting Cynicism From Power
Public Opinion and Rates of Political Participation in the USWho votes in the US? Who doesn’t, and Why?
Variables Effecting Participation:1) Trust in Government2) Perception of Runs Government
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Variables Effecting Participation:
1) Trust in GovernmentIs Government “run by big interests” or “is it run for the benefit of the people?”
Since 1970s: Most Americans think the government is run by “big interests,” or “special interests.” (70% by 1990s).
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Variables Effecting Participation:
1) Trust in GovernmentTrust in government also varies by income.
% Believe they Have No Say in GovernmentProfessionals: 44%Unskilled Workers: 80%
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Variables Effecting Participation:
2) Defining “Big Interests”Curiously, belief that “big interests” run the government does not vary by income, or gender, or race.
Big Interests: “Contesting,” rather than “Having” PowerThe reason for this apparent anomaly is that the public generally associates the idea of “big interest” with anyone who contests power.
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Big Interests: “Contesting,” rather than “Having” Power
Who is a “Big” or “Special Interest?”A series of polls taken of students
Sept ’95 Sept ’96 Sept ‘99Citizens Groups: 37% 46% 63%
Businesses/Corporations: 34% 23% 34%
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Frameworks of Assumption: The Establishment of ConsentThree assumptions have become central to the narrative that the US political
system is broadly representative, rather than elite-dominated:
1) Left versus Right Framework of Reporting2) Downplaying Economic Issues in Politics3) US as Model of Free, Democratic Society
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Frameworks of Assumption: The Establishment of Consent
1) Left versus Right Framework of ReportingThe political debates are frequently framed as right versus left.
Who is Left and Right?There is a tendency to stress the differences between the two majority parties, especially on “social issues.”
Ex: Clinton as Left
• Political Spectrum: US Politics
Right: Private Negative Liberty: Freedom Free…
Left: Public Positive. Liberty:
Freedom To…
Center: Public-Private Hybrid
Less Government Scale MoreLess Government Scale More
• Political Spectrum: US Politics
Right: Private Negative Liberty: Freedom Free…
Left: Public Positive. Liberty:
Freedom To…
Center: Public-Private Hybrid
Less Government Scale MoreLess Government Scale More
Private Democratic Party PublicPrivate Democratic Party Public
• Political Spectrum: US Politics
Right: Private Negative Liberty: Freedom Free…
Left: Public Positive. Liberty:
Freedom To…
Center: Public-Private Hybrid
Less Government Scale MoreLess Government Scale More
Private Democratic Party PublicPrivate Democratic Party Public
Private Insurance Health Care No public optionPrivate Insurance Health Care No public option
• Political Spectrum: US Politics
Right: Private Negative Liberty: Freedom Free…
Left: Public Positive. Liberty:
Freedom To…
Center: Public-Private Hybrid
Less Government Scale MoreLess Government Scale More
Private Republican Party PublicPrivate Republican Party Public
Private Investment Social Security PublicPrivate Investment Social Security Public
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
Frameworks of Assumption: The Establishment of Consent
2) Downplaying Economic Issues in PoliticsThe emphasis on the differences of opinion between
parties on “social issues” conceals a general consensus among political elites on economic policy.
Elites: Socially Liberal, Economically Conservative
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
2) Downplaying Economic Issues in Politics
Media Coverage of Economic IssuesThe media does not cover economic issues as a question of competing political philosophy.
Selling Unrepresentative Democracy
2) Downplaying Economic Issues in Politics
Who Gives to Which Party? Lobbying http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.php?ind=K02Lobbying: Top Spendershttp://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/top.php?indexType=sLobbying: Sectorshttp://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/top.php?indexType=cCandidateshttp://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00006424
US Public Opinion
US Public Opinion
US Public Opinion
US Public Opinion
US Public Opinion
Manufacturing Consent