| Constructing Public Opinion: How Political Elites Do What They Like and Why We Seem to Go Along with It Contributor(s): Lewis, Justin (Author) |
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ISBN: 0231117663 ISBN-13: 9780231117661 Publisher: Columbia University Press OUR PRICE: $108.90 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: March 2001 Annotation: Is polling a process that brings "science" into the study of society? Or are polls crude instruments that tell us little about the way people actually think? The role of public opinion polls in government and mass media has gained increasing importance with each new election or poll taken. Here Lewis presents a new look at an old tradition, the first study of opinion polls using an interdisciplinary approach combining cultural studies, sociology, political science, and mass communication. Rather than dismissing polls, he considers them to be a significant form of representation in contemporary culture; he explores how the media report on polls and, in turn, how publicized results influence the way people respond to polls. Lewis argues that the media tend to exclude the more progressive side of popular opinion from public debate. While the media's influence is limited, it works strategically to maintain the power of pro-corporate political elites. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Political Science | Political Process - Political Advocacy - Social Science | Media Studies - Language Arts & Disciplines | Journalism |
| Dewey: 303.38 |
| LCCN: 00063924 |
| Lexile Measure: 1540 |
| Physical Information: 0.77" H x 6.17" W x 9.29" (1.06 lbs) 240 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Is polling a process that brings "science" into the study of society? Or are polls crude instruments that tell us little about the way people actually think? The role of public opinion polls in government and mass media has gained increasing importance with each new election or poll taken. Here Lewis presents a new look at an old tradition, the first study of opinion polls using an interdisciplinary approach combining cultural studies, sociology, political science, and mass communication. Rather than dismissing polls, he considers them to be a significant form of representation in contemporary culture; he explores how the media report on polls and, in turn, how publicized results influence the way people respond to polls. Lewis argues that the media tend to exclude the more progressive side of popular opinion from public debate. While the media's influence is limited, it works strategically to maintain the power of pro-corporate political elites. |