Download ppt - Constructing public Opinion Justin Lewis. Selling Unrepresentative Democracy Resistance and Consent in Public Opinion Public Opinion and Public Policy

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



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.



Features of Elite-Governed Political System 1) Weak Campaign Finance Reform 2) Weak Political Parties 3) Powerful Lobbying Groups 4) Public Relations Driven Campaigns



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)


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


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).



1) Trust in GovernmentTrust in government also varies by income.

% Believe they Have No Say in GovernmentProfessionals: 44%Unskilled Workers: 80%



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.


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%


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


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




Freedom To…



Private Democratic Party PublicPrivate Democratic Party Public




Freedom To…



Private Democratic Party PublicPrivate Democratic Party Public

Private Insurance Health Care No public optionPrivate Insurance Health Care No public option




Freedom To…



Private Republican Party PublicPrivate Republican Party Public

Private Investment Social Security PublicPrivate Investment Social Security Public


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


2) Downplaying Economic Issues in Politics

Media Coverage of Economic IssuesThe media does not cover economic issues as a question of competing political philosophy.


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