Handbook on Politics and Public Opinion

This Handbook examines the nature of public opinion in democratic societies, highlighting its importance as an instrument of popular control and democratic accountability. Expert contributors provide a thorough review of theoretical and methodological approaches, exploring biological, contextual, psychological, sociological, and economic perspectives. It demonstrates the value of quantitative and qualitative research designs and offers insights into the origins and structure of public opinion formation. It will be an excellent study resource for scholars and practitioners in political science, sociology, and psychology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd

Examining the intricate nature of public opinion within democratic societies, this Handbook serves as a valuable resource in understanding the significance of public opinion as a powerful tool for popular control and democratic accountability. A team of esteemed experts in the field offers a comprehensive examination of diverse theoretical and methodological approaches to studying this timely topic.

The chapters within this Handbook delve into the theoretical merits of incorporating biological, contextual, psychological, sociological, and economic perspectives when exploring public opinion. Furthermore, it showcases practical insights that can be derived from both quantitative and qualitative research designs, employing both observational and experimental methodologies. Additionally, the Handbook provides a thorough assessment of the origins and structure of how public opinion is formed, shedding light on the processes that shape policy development.

As a comprehensive and up-to-date review, this Handbook is an invaluable resource for scholars and students of public opinion in political science, sociology, and psychology. It will also be of great interest to political practitioners, including government officials, political operatives, and pollsters, as it offers insightful information and valuable insights into the dynamics of public opinion and its impact on democratic processes.

Dimension: 244 x 169 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800379602