The Symbolic Uses of Politics

1. The Symbolic Uses of Politics Murray Edelman

2. Outline Introduction Referential and Condensation Symbols The Administrative System Political Leadership Political Settings Political Language Conclusion

3. �The most cherished forms of popular participation in government are largely symbolic and many of the public programs universally taught and believed to benefit a mass public in fact benefit relatively small groups�. Murray Edelman

4. Introduction Edelman�s Symbolic Uses of Politics investigates the mechanisms through which politics influences what political elites desire. He supports this theory by depicting the various ways in which the American political elite use symbols to distract the masses from really being involved in the process.

5. Referential Symbols Referential symbols are �economical ways of referring to the objective elements in objects or situations: the elements identified in the same way by different people�. These symbols help in logical thinking. Example: Accident statistics or cost figures.

6. Condensation Symbols Condensation symbols are symbols that �evoke emotions associated with the situation�. Most political acts are defined as condensation symbols. Examples: The patriotic feeling of flying an American flag or a speech by the President after September 11th.

7. The Administrative System Edelman describes the administrative system as: a system designed to enforce and implement rules and regulations. an economical and political instrument used by elites to support self-interest. a system based on �role-taking� and mutual relationships between politicians, government agencies, and elite groups.

8. Political Leadership Leadership is based on how a person affects large groups, rather then personal characteristics of the individual. Those involved in politics are leaders because they have followers and have the ability to �evoke emotional responses� in the mass public. Leaders become symbolic to the constituency which they serve because they are representative of the group.

9. Example

10. Example

11. Political Settings Political settings are part of an �artificial universe� that allow the public to believe they are involved in the �act�. These settings are planned by arrangers to meet the expectations of the audience.

13. Political Language Language used in politics is what makes politics different from other ways of expressing values. Language is a necessary catalyst of politics. Language allows terms to be used by those in leadership capacities to turn a simple world into a �vehicle for expression a group interest�.

14. Styles of Language Edelman identifies for styles of language that deal with authority, persuasion, and participation. Hortatory Legal Administrative Bargaining

15. Assessment Strengths: Uses a variety of theories, sources, and examples throughout the entire book. Theories were interesting and involved many aspects of American life during the 1960s. General messages able to cross time and still have some relevance to today�s political scene. Ideas relate to other reviews on American politics and public policy.

16. Assessment Weaknesses Age of text. Writing style. Not all of theories have been able to completely span the last 40 years. Lack of discussion about women.

17. Conclusion Overall, very interesting, thought-provoking piece depicting American politics and symbolism. I would recommend this text to other members of this course.

18. Sources Edelman, M. (1964). The Symbolic Uses of Politcs. University of Illinois Press.

19. THANK YOU!