Suchergebnisse

Reports data from 1979 through 1993. Examines trends in the public's definition of the energy situation, attitudes toward energy institutions, preferred energy alternatives, and preferences on transportation issues.

Analyzes topical areas, sampling frame, administration methods, and response rates of surveys; 1975-90.

Addresses the issue of "quality" in public opinion research, arguing that conceptions of quality in public opinion are inextricably bound to broader conceptions of quality in democratic decision making, a complex process involving multiple phases & collective participants. Contradictions & ambiguities underlying conceptions of quality & traditional & newer methods for attaining quality in public opinion are discussed. 1 Table, 2 Figures, 86 References. Adapted from the source document.

The propriety of various public-opinion-driven analyses of democracy & the desirability of democratic alternatives are discussed in an introduction to this journal issue (see abstracts of related articles). Over the past 6 years, the election of Bill Clinton as US president, the 1994 Congressional elections, & a range of public opinion polls have made claims of a conservative or liberal shift in public ideology. It is argued here that opinion polls & election results may not represent broad shifts in ideological alignment, & a number of studies are cited highlighting the problems with contemporary democracy: mass ignorance regarding issues & political structures, the potential for voting based on demographic &/or personal perferences, & the influence of mass media campaigns. Although the elite strata that hold the majority of political power may be more politically informed, they are generally bound to unquestioned party ideologies which undermine transformative & informed democracy. However, the alternatives to modern democracy & centralized power are also dangerous: market-oriented politics are bound to recreate & possibly exacerbate the inequality of present power structures, & a return to a consensual form of community government is no longer possible. 11 References. T. Sevier