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    Spiral of Silence Theory

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    Waqas Mahmood
    The document discusses the Spiral of Silence theory proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann. The theory suggests that individuals have a fear of isolation that causes them to remain silent about minority opinions. It is based on the idea that people can sense prevailing public opinions and keep quiet about views that seem unpopular. The theory aims to explain phenomena like why Jews complied with Nazis. It is seen as scientifically sound but may not apply to strong opinions or those from influential opinion leaders. The Spiral of Silence can help understand why individuals conceal opinions in groups fearing rejection.

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    Spiral of Silence Theory

    Uploaded by

    Waqas Mahmood
    1K views12 pages
    The document discusses the Spiral of Silence theory proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann. The theory suggests that individuals have a fear of isolation that causes them to remain silent about minority opinions. It is based on the idea that people can sense prevailing public opinions and keep quiet about views that seem unpopular. The theory aims to explain phenomena like why Jews complied with Nazis. It is seen as scientifically sound but may not apply to strong opinions or those from influential opinion leaders. The Spiral of Silence can help understand why individuals conceal opinions in groups fearing rejection.

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    The document discusses the Spiral of Silence theory proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann. The theory suggests that individuals have a fear of isolation that causes them to remain silent about minority opinions. It is based on the idea that people can sense prevailing public opinions and keep quiet about views that seem unpopular. The theory aims to explain phenomena like why Jews complied with Nazis. It is seen as scientifically sound but may not apply to strong opinions or those from influential opinion leaders. The Spiral of Silence can help understand why individuals conceal opinions in groups fearing rejection.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    1K views12 pages

    Spiral of Silence Theory

    Uploaded by

    Waqas Mahmood
    The document discusses the Spiral of Silence theory proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann. The theory suggests that individuals have a fear of isolation that causes them to remain silent about minority opinions. It is based on the idea that people can sense prevailing public opinions and keep quiet about views that seem unpopular. The theory aims to explain phenomena like why Jews complied with Nazis. It is seen as scientifically sound but may not apply to strong opinions or those from influential opinion leaders. The Spiral of Silence can help understand why individuals conceal opinions in groups fearing rejection.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 12

    Definition. Explanation. Metatheoretical Assumptions. Critique. Ideas & Implications. Advantages Disadvantages. Examples.

    &

    Definition
    The one view dominated the public scene and others disappeared from the public awareness as it adherents became silent. In other words, the people fear of separation or isolation those around them, they tend to keep their attitudes to themselves when they think they are in the minority. This process is called Spiral of Silence.

    Explanation
    Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann is the German political scientist. She contributes the famous model called Spiral of Silence. Through this Spiral of Silence theory Neumann indirectly explains the Jews status during World War II under Nazis control. Adolf Hitler dominated the whole society and the minority Jews became silent due to the fear of isolation or separation.
    Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann (1916 2010)

    Explanation
    The Spiral of Silence is a model of why people are unwilling to publicly express their opinions when they believe they are in the minority. The model is based on three premises:
    People have a "quasi-statistical organ," a sixth-sense if you will, which allows them to know the prevailing public opinion, even without access to polls, People have a fear of isolation and know what behaviours will increase their likelihood of being socially isolated, and People are reticent to express their minority views, primarily out of fear of being isolated.

    Metatheoratical Assumption
    Ontological Assumption:
    In this sense, the theory is extremely scientific. Spiral of Silence believes that there is fate- opinions are dependent on the majority opinion of the group.

    Epistemological Assumption:
    The theory is also quite scientific in the relationship between the research being done and the researcher. What is researched is not dependent on the observer, there is one truth; an absolute if you will concerning the Spiral of Silence. People are quiet with their opinions and that is that.

    Metatheoratical Assumption
    Axiological Assumption:
    Spiral of Silence is scientific in the values sense as well. Research being done is value neutral and unbiased on the researchers' behalf since they would have no reason or means to skew the findings in any way.

    Critique
    The Spiral of Silence theory is a scientific theory that for the most part is quite sound in situations in which opinions are not of great consequence. For example, if my opinion is a strong conviction and I am unwilling to bend in my beliefs then the theory may not apply to me to such an extent. Also, if I am an opinion leader, (from the Diffusion of Innovations theory) that is I am the one voicing my opinion and affecting other people; then I also may not bend in my opinions either.

    Ideas & Implications


    The Spiral of Silence is useful to apply in situations when trying to explain why people cover up or change their opinions when in a group setting especially when they think they are alone in their opinions.

    Advantages & Disadvantages


    1. Spiral of Silence theory has both micro level and macro level explanatory process. 2. It works well during the public campaign, Senate and Parliament. 3. Spiral of silence theory which helps to raise question about considering the role and responsibility of media in the society. 4. The theory which is not considering the other explanation of silencing. In some cases the person may feel the majoritys ideas or opinion is much better than his own view. 5. It portrait overly negative view of media influence the average people.

    Examples
    1. Example of a person going out for Pizza with a group of people do not know very well. 2. The Managing Director decides to increase their working hour from 8 to 10 and send e-mail to all employees. Employees cannot or ready to express their thought publicly Because,
    I. They may feel unsupported by the other employees. II. Fear of isolation like transfer. III. Fear of Rejection By rejecting their personal opinion from the public will help to avoid fight. IV. They may try to save their job by suppressing or avoid personal statement in public.

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