Title
Talking Politics,Used
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Those who analyze public opinion have long contended that the average citizen is incapable of recounting consistently even the most rudimentary facts about current politics; that the little the average person does know is taken at face value from the media reports, and that the consequence is a polity that is illprepared for democratic governance. Yet social movements, comprised by and large of average citizens who have become exercised about particular issues, have been a prominent feature of the American political scene throughout American history and they are experiencing a resurgence in recent years. William Gamson asks the question, how is it that so many people become active in movements if people are so generally uninterested and badly informed about issues? The conclusion he reaches in this book is a striking refutation of the common wisdom about the public's ability to reason about politics. Rather than relying on survey data, as so many studies of public opinion do, Gamson reports on his analysis of discussions among small groups of workingclass people on four controversial issues: affirmative action, nuclear power, the ArabIsraeli conflict, and the troubles in American industry. Excerpts from many of these discussions are transcribed in the book. Gamson analyzes how these same issues have been treated in a range of media material, from editorial opinion columns to political cartoons and network news programs, in order to determine how closely the group discussions mimic media discourse. He finds that the process of opinion formation is more complex than it has usually been depicted and that people condition media information with reflection on their own experience or that of people they know. The discussions transcribed in this book demonstrate that people are quite capable of conducting informed and wellreasoned discussions about issues and that although most people are not inclined to become actively involved in politics, the seeds of political action are present in the minds of many. With the appropriate stimulation, this latent political consciousness can be activated, which accounts for the continual creation of social movements.
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- Q: What is the page count of 'Talking Politics'? A: The book 'Talking Politics' has two hundred ninety-two pages. It is a paperback edition published by Cambridge University Press.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions of 'Talking Politics' are six inches in length, zero point seventy-two inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Talking Politics'? A: The author of 'Talking Politics' is William A. Gamson. He is known for his work in sociology and public opinion.
- Q: How do I read 'Talking Politics' effectively? A: To read 'Talking Politics' effectively, consider taking notes on the key discussions presented. Engaging with the book in a group can also enhance understanding.
- Q: What is the target audience for this book? A: The target audience for 'Talking Politics' includes students and individuals interested in sociology and political science. It’s suitable for anyone wanting to understand public opinion.
- Q: Is there any specific reading level for this book? A: Yes, 'Talking Politics' is suitable for readers at the college level and above. It contains academic discussions that might be complex for younger readers.
- Q: How do I keep 'Talking Politics' in good condition? A: To keep 'Talking Politics' in good condition, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid bending the spine or exposing it to moisture.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can clean 'Talking Politics' by gently wiping the cover with a dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaners that could damage the pages.
- Q: Is 'Talking Politics' safe for younger readers? A: While 'Talking Politics' is not specifically aimed at children, it does not contain explicit content. However, it may be complex for younger audiences.
- Q: What themes does 'Talking Politics' explore? A: The book explores themes of public opinion, social movements, and the complexities of political discourse. It challenges common perceptions about citizen engagement.
- Q: How does 'Talking Politics' compare to other sociology books? A: Unlike many sociology books that rely on survey data, 'Talking Politics' uses group discussions to explore public opinion, providing a unique perspective.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of 'Talking Politics'? A: If you receive a damaged copy of 'Talking Politics', you should contact the seller to initiate a return or exchange process as per their policies.
- Q: Is there a warranty for 'Talking Politics'? A: There is typically no warranty for books like 'Talking Politics'. However, check with the seller for any return policies that may apply.
- Q: What should I do if I have questions about the content? A: If you have questions about the content of 'Talking Politics', consider discussing it with peers or searching for academic forums that focus on sociology.
- Q: What kind of discussions are transcribed in the book? A: The book includes discussions on controversial issues such as affirmative action, nuclear power, and the Arab-Israeli conflict, providing insights into public opinion.
- Q: Is 'Talking Politics' a good choice for academic studies? A: Yes, 'Talking Politics' is a great choice for academic studies, particularly in sociology and political science, due to its in-depth analysis and unique methodology.