The Spiral of Silence Ten Years Later: An Examination and Evaluation.

Abstract

ABSTRACT In her model of opinion formation, Elizabeth Noelle-Neumann postulates a spiral of silence:,to avoid isolation, people holding minority views either alter their ideas to conform to the majority's stance or remain silent, thus increasing the impression of the majority view's dominance. While providing,a helpful integration of disparate ideas in public opinion formation, Noelle-Neumann's framework has been questioned at a number of poipts. Is it reasonable to assume that since people fear isolation, most fear being in the minority? Research suggests, in fact, that many people can, oppose majority views as long as they have individual or group support and that interpersonal relationships have a greater impact on opinion formation than impersonal public opinion presented via the media. Recent studies have also offered an alternative to Noelle-Neumann's view of people as simply 'reacting to their perception of public opinion, suggesting that instead, people use their own opinions to form their perceptions of public attitudes. Whether people's behavior resembles the reaction or projection model may depend on a numben of conditions, including their familiaritywith the issue. Further research is needed on the many factors influencing opinion formation. (MM)

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