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The Spiral of Silence

The Spiral of Silence. Raylene Rascoe & Shanay Lewis COMM 250N. What is the “Spiral of Silence”?. Origin. The spiral of silence is a theory proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann.

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The Spiral of Silence

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  1. The Spiral of Silence Raylene Rascoe & Shanay Lewis COMM 250N

  2. What is the “Spiral of Silence”?

  3. Origin • The spiral of silence is a theory proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann. • The theory asserts that a person is less likely to voice an opinion on a topic of morality if one feels that one is in the minority for fear of reprisal or isolation from the majority. • The spiral of silence begins with fear of reprisal or isolation, and escalates from there.

  4. How Does it Work? • We fear social rejection and that when a person appears to be rejected, others will back away from them, fearing being rejected because they associate with the rejected person

  5. The Downward Spiral Toward Silence Prevailing Public Opinion Willingness to Speak Out Perceived Discrepancy Person with Minority ViewPoint Silence Fear of Isolation

  6. Examples of Spiral of Silence • September 11th & Muslims • Abortion • Gay Marriage and Rights • Racism • Interracial Relationships

  7. Another Hot Topic Example

  8. How the S.O.S is Activated The Fear of Isolation Cannot be any anonymity One must feel the pressure to conform Exhibit A 1 2 3 4 5

  9. S.O.S Activation continued.. • Morally and Emotionally charged issue at hand • Interference by the Mass Media • Issues must be morally or opinion based - not ones that can be proven right or wrong with facts

  10. Determining the Spiral of Silence 3 ways: • Measuring how individual perceives climate of opinion • Measurement of public opinion • Measuring whether opposite sides of viewpoints ignore other party

  11. Crucial Points to Remember • People constantly observe behaviors around them to see which gain approval and disapproval from society • People are more willing to publicly state opinions they believe will be accepted positively • Spiral effect begins when opposition to majority feels greater sense of isolation • Strong moral component is necessary to activate the spiral

  12. Joe Oliver : How can we apply the spiral of silence to his experience? http://youtu.be/NEa2yqSetwU

  13. Conclusion Humanistic or Deterministic? What do you think?

  14. Q&A One More Thing… At some point in our lives, we ALL act within this theory....do you admit to yours?

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