PUBLIC OPINION

What is public opinion? Discuss its nature and characteristics.

Introduction

in the field of political theory, the concept of public opinion has been subjected to a thorough analysis in recent years.

Still, there is no general agreement as to its meaning or function and in the absence of analytical clarity, the discussion on its nature.

The concept of public opinion came to the limelight in the wake of democracy.

The governmental policies gradually became the function of opinion rather than force, the means for the expression of opinion like constitutionally guaranteed liberties, elections, political parties, etc. were at hand, the role of public opinion in the government came to be generally recognized. the theory of p.o. is thus a derivative form of democracy as a form of govt..

Meaning

Public opinion has been defined differently by different scholars. some define it as the opinion of all the people, why some others say it as the opinion of leaders and some describe it as the majority opinion. Public opinion reflects the diversity of opinions.

Public opinion is generally held by all and its purpose is to highlight the welfare of society. It refers to the composite reaction of the general public. It is the measure of what the public thinks about a particular issue, party, or individual political figure. It is an aggregate of the individuals, attitudes, and beliefs about a particular topic, expressed by a significant proportion of the community.

Definitions

According to John Dewey, “Public opinion is a judgment which is formed and entertained by those who constitute the public and is about public affairs.”

According to Bryce “public opinion is commonly used to denote the aggregate of views man regarding matters that affect or interest the community.”

R.H. Solton says “Public opinion is referred to what people think and want for common life.”

characteristics of public opinion

1 public opinion is not the unanimous opinion but there is a general agreement on the issue.

2 it may change with the circumstances, time, and new information.

3 it must be rational and logical by nature.

4 it is not always related to political matters. it may even be formulated on economic, social and cultural matters.

5 it necessarily reflects the diversity of opinion based on general welfare.

6 it ensures democratic communication.

It is a social judgment reached upon a question of general rational public discussions. Popular impressions are sometimes merely unthinking reactions that are caused by imitation sentiments these are shallow, fickle, and transient.

Features of public opinion or what makes it sustain?

1 direction

2 intensity

3 saliency

4 latency

 💡 1 direction - it refers to whether public opinion on topic is positive or negative.

 💡 2 intensity- it refers to the strength of a person’s or group’s opinion. How deeply do the individuals hold the opinion?

 💡 3 saliency- it is related to which enjoys widespread public attention and is a high priority.

 💡 4- latency- it may be widespread but generally remains in the background unmoulded, unmobilised, and uncrystallized.

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What public opinion is not?

mob action

popular impression

public intigation

the public opinion includes-

-views

-attitude

-values

-events

-issues

-personalities

role of public opinion in democracy

public opinion is considered as essential element for successful working of democratic communication in the system. It is the expression of the views of citizens. The sound and effective public opinion can even shake the structure of dictators. There should be free and fair interaction of thoughts for solving the collective problems. It acquires a great relevance in realizing this democratic goal. It promotes wider awareness and invites citizen to examine issues from different point of views.

The whole exception of popular sovereignty which is the very breath and soul of democracy is based upon public opinion. Behind all the laws and institutions of democratic state is the power of public opinion. If public opinion oppose a certain measure, it cannot live or operate for a long time. If a government loses touch with people or ignores their conserted opinion, it ceases to be a democratic government.

So, for the success of democracy in the country it is essential that there must be existing sound public opinion in that country and the organs for the formation and expression of public opinion must be working with full freedom it is a popular view which is finally crystallized into law by the state.

Only those laws which are based on public opinion can command the willing obedience of citizens. voice of the people is the voice of God. a state in which government is responsible and responsive to public opinion will enjoy greater peace and security and will have less chances of revolutions.

Guide to the government

helping in law making

act as a watchdog

protects the rights and liberties

act as a powerful force in the international sphere

Major agencies of public opinion

press

radio and television

political parties

opinion polls

educational institutions

Press- it is considered the fourth pillar of democracy. newspapers, and magazines as a whole act as an important major agency of public opinion. The press discusses and analyzes every important issue of public concern and editorials, writ write-ups news analysis always plays a big role in the formulation of expression of public opinion.

radio and television- the audio-visual media is used as a powerful means for bringing about social transformation and setting up a new social order freeze from social events it is used to educate the masses on certain sensitive issues like casteism communism violence etc. Just communicate their feelings and opinions towards various government policies and programs.

political parties- These are the agents of political education. these provide all information to the people regarding activities, successes, and failures.

Opinion polls- it serve to indicate public opinion at the time of their being taken they are very effective way of gathering information on public attitude and opinion on various political social cultural economical etcetera matters they are normally conducted by professional agency selecting representatives samples of the population.

Educational institutions - these include schools colleges literary clubs study circles universities and libraries etc. They can mould public opinion to be a great extent therefore the right kind of training is very important for the age group eminent leaders scholars and educators help in moving their circular activities like drama museum painting etc. meetings held in institutions speeches and meetings and seminars of different kinds are arranged.