Reading Mixed Signals: Ambivalence in American Public Opinion about Government - Softcover

Cantril, Albert H.; Cantril, Susan Davis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0943875919 ISBN 13: 9780943875910

Publisher: Woodrow Wilson Center Press, 1999

Synopsis

What should the place of government be in the life of the nation? If you turn to the public for an answer to this question, you confront a paradox. What people say about government as a general matter is often at odds with what they actually want it to do. This is seen most often when people say government is doing too many things and at the same time want its activities in a host of areas continued, if not expanded.

Based on a specially-designed national public opinion survey, this book explores the paradox and the difference it makes. Ambivalence about government affects which voices get heard in our politics―and which do not. It bears on the parties people support, whether they vote, and how they vote. Those who send mixed signals about government can tip the balance in elections and are key to coalitions of support on issues between elections.

The analyses presented here go beyond the give and take of the current scene to shed important light on the nature of public opinion itself. The authors show that ambivalence about government is an identifiable and enduring feature of American public opinion.

About this title

Book Description

Explores the paradox that what many Americans say about government in general is often at odds with what they say they want it to do in specific areas.

About the Author

Albert H. Cantril and Susan Davis Cantril are independent analysts of public opinion based in Washington, D.C.

Edition details

• Publisher: Woodrow Wilson Center Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0943875919
• ISBN 13: 9780943875910
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208