Freedom House: Assessment (Measurement) of Freedom in Global Comparison David F. J. Campbell University of Klagenfurt, Austria / iff Faculty for Interdisciplinary Studies / Institute of Science Communication and Higher Education Research (WIHO) / http:// www.uni-klu.ac.at / wiho [email protected]Presentation: November 23 & 30, 2011
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Freedom House: Assessment (Measurement) of Freedom in Global Comparison David F. J. Campbell University of Klagenfurt, Austria / iff Faculty for Interdisciplinary.
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Freedom House: Assessment (Measurement) of Freedom in Global Comparison
David F. J. CampbellUniversity of Klagenfurt, Austria / iff Faculty for Interdisciplinary Studies / Institute of Science
Communication and Higher Education Research (WIHO) / http://www.uni-klu.ac.at/wiho
What is Freedom House? (4) “Freedom House is an independent watchdog
organization that supports the expansion of freedom around the world. Freedom House supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights.”
“Since its founding in 1941 by prominent Americans concerned with the mounting threats to peace and democracy, Freedom House has been a vigorous proponent of democratic values and a steadfast opponent of dictatorships of the far left and the far right. Eleanor Roosevelt and Wendell Willkie served as Freedom House’s first honorary co-chairpersons.”
“Freedom House, an independent nongovernmental organization, supports the expansion of freedom in the world. Freedom is possible only in democratic political systems in which the governments are accountable to their own people; the rule of law prevails; and freedoms of expression, association, and belief, as well as respect for the rights of minorities and women, are guaranteed.”
“Freedom ultimately depends on the actions of committed and courageous men and women. We support nonviolent civic initiatives in societies where freedom is denied or under threat and we stand in opposition to ideas and forces that challenge the right of all people to be free. Freedom House functions as a catalyst for freedom, democracy and the rule of law through its analysis, advocacy and action.”
What is Freedom House? (6) What is Freedom House’s
definition of “freedom”? “Freedom is the opportunity to act spontaneously in a variety
of fields outside the control of the government and/or other centers of potential domination. Freedom House measures freedom according to two broad categories: political rights and civil liberties. Political rights enable people to participate freely in the political process through the right to vote, compete for public office and elect representatives who have a decisive impact on public policies and are accountable to the electorate. Civil liberties allow for the freedoms of expression and belief, associational and organizational rights, rule of law, and personal autonomy without interference from the state.”
What is Freedom House? (7) What is Freedom House’s definition
of “freedom”? (continuation) “Freedom House’s definition of freedom is derived in large measure
from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The rights enumerated in the Universal Declaration include freedom of religion, expression, and assembly; freedom from torture; and the right to take part in the government of his or her country. These standards apply to all countries and territories, irrespective of geographical location, ethnic or religious composition, or level of economic development.”
Freedom of the Press (3) CHECKLIST OF METHODOLOGY QUESTIONS 2011:
“Each country is ranked on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being the best and 100 being the worst.”
“A combined score of 0-30=Free, 31-60=Partly Free, 61-100=Not Free.”
“Under each question, a lower number of points is allotted for a more free situation, while a higher number of points is allotted for a less free environment.”
“The sub-questions listed are meant to provide guidance as to what issues are meant to be addressed under each methodology question; it is not intended that the author necessarily answer each one.”
Freedom of the Press (4) CHECKLIST OF METHODOLOGY QUESTIONS 2011:
continued
“As a general guideline, the index is focused on ability to access news and information (which predominantly means print and broadcast media but can also including blogs, social media, and other forms of digital news dissemination) and providers of news content, which predominantly means journalists but can also include citizen journalists and bloggers, where applicable.”
Further References Pickel, Susanne / Gert Pickel (2006). Politische
Kultur- und Demokratieforschung. Grundbegriffe, Theorien, Methoden. Eine Einführung. Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften (Seiten 209-221).
Gastil, Raymond Duncan (1993). The Comparative Survey of Freedom: Experiences and Suggestions, 21-46, in: Alex Inkeles (ed.): On Measuring Democracy. Its Consequences and Concomitants. New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers.