Public Opinion and the Communication of Consent [Paperback]

This volume offers an unprecedented range of scholarly perspectives on the relationship between public opinion and communication. With contributions written from social-scientific, historical, critical, and cultural traditions, the book illuminates the importance and richness of treating public opinion as a multifaceted concept. Topics covered include the nature and institutions of public opinion, media influences, social and psychological contexts, and the role that public opinion assessment plays in a democratic society.

This is an excellent, up-to-date, diverse collection of essays by some of the brightest public opinion scholars, established as well as rising stars. The scope of the book is broad, spanning the history of the role of public opinion from ancient to contemporary times. The perspectives are interdisciplinary, with a felicitous blending of philosophical, political, sociological, psychological, and communication perspectives. Upper-level college students will be well-served by this stimulating collection, which examines the major current issues in public opinion research. --Doris Graber, University of Illinois at Chicago

Theodore L. Glasser is professor of communication and director of the Graduate Program in Journalism at Stanford University. His work has appeared in a variety of publications, includingCritical Studies in Mass Communication,Journal of Communication, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly,Nieman Reports,The Quill, andThe New York Times Book Review.Custodians of Conscience: Investigative Journalism and Public Virtue,written with James Ettema, was published in 1998 by Columbia University Press.

Scholars, students, and professionals in journalism, mass communication, political science, and related fields.

....Impressive...warrants attention from scholars and teachers in the fields of both public opinion an political communiclãt