The Spiral of Silence

The Spiral of Silence

Raylene Rascoe &

Shanay Lewis

COMM 250N

What is the “Spiral of Silence”?

Origin

The spiral of silence is a theory

proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-

Neumann.

The theory asserts that a person

is less likely to voice an opinion

on a topic of morality if one feels

that one is in the minority for fear

of reprisal or isolation from the

majority.

The spiral of silence begins with

fear of reprisal or isolation, and

escalates from there.

How Does it Work? We fear social rejection and that when a person

appears to be rejected, others will back away

from them, fearing being rejected because they

associate with the rejected person

Prevailing Public Opinion

Perceived Discrepancy

Silence

Person with Minority ViewPoint

Willingness to Speak Out

Fear of Isolation

The Downward Spiral Toward

Silence

Examples of Spiral of Silence September 11th & Muslims

Abortion

Gay Marriage and Rights

Racism

Interracial Relationships

Another Hot Topic Example

How the S.O.S is Activated

• The Fear of Isolation

• Cannot be any anonymity

• One must feel the pressure to conform

Exhibit A 1 2 3 4 5

S.O.S Activation continued..• Morally and Emotionally charged issue at

hand

• Interference by the Mass Media

• Issues must be morally or opinion based - not ones that can be proven right or wrong with facts

Determining the Spiral of Silence3 ways: Measuring how individual perceives climate

of opinion

Measurement of public opinion

Measuring whether opposite sides of viewpoints ignore other party

Crucial Points to Remember People constantly observe behaviors around them to see

which gain approval and disapproval from society

People are more willing to publicly state opinions they believe will be accepted positively

Spiral effect begins when opposition to majority feels greater sense of isolation

Strong moral component is necessary to activate the spiral

Joe Oliver : How can we apply the spiral of silence to his experience?

http://youtu.be/NEa2yqSetwU

Conclusion

Humanistic or Deterministic?

What do you think?

One More Thing…

At some point in our lives, we ALL act

within this theory....do you admit to yours?

Q&A