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The Spiral of Silence and Public Opinion on Affirmative Action
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2001
Year
DiscriminationRacial PrejudiceEducationPublic OpinionPolitical PolarizationPolitical BehaviorSocial ExclusionOctober 1998Social SciencesRaceRacial EquityPublic PolicySocial IdentityEqual OpportunitySilence TheoryEqual Educational OpportunityIsolation Keeps IndividualsSocial BiasAffirmative Action StudiesMinority InfluenceSociologyPolitical AttitudesAffect PerceptionSocial Diversity
The study aimed to clarify the key variables of Noelle‑Neumann’s spiral of silence theory and examine its application to public debate over affirmative action. The authors tested the theory by surveying 217 randomly selected adults in October 1998 about affirmative action policies. Results showed that fear of isolation suppresses expression of minority views, while willingness to speak out was driven more by perceived agreement with family and friends than by broader societal consensus, with demographics, media use, and issue importance also playing roles.
This study sought to more fully explicate the key variables involved in Noelle-Neumann's spiral of silence theory, which states that fear of isolation keeps individuals from expressing opinions perceived to be in the minority. We tested the theory in the context of public discussion about affirmative action policies, a domain seemingly ideal due to its moral and value-laden characteristics. Data from 217 randomly selected adults in October 1998 indicate that fear of isolation indeed prevents one from publicly voicing perceived minority opinions. Willingness to speak out on a controversial ballot initiative was predicted also by demographics, media use, and importance of the issue. However, it was perceived consonance of one's opinion with family and friends—rather than society at large—that predicted willingness to speak out.