Catastrophic Politics

How Extraordinary Events Redefine Perceptions of Government
Erscheinungsjahr 2013
ISBN: 978-1-107-63074-1
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 276 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 229 mm, Gewicht: 404 g

Shocking moments in society create an extraordinary political environment that permits political and opinion changes that are unlikely during times of normal politics. Strong emotions felt by the public during catastrophes - even if experienced only vicariously through media coverage - are a powerful motivator of public opinion and activism. This is particularly true when emotional reactions coincide with attributing blame to governmental agencies or officials. By examining public opinion during one extraordinary event, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Lonna Rae Atkeson and Cherie D. Maestas show how media information interacts with emotion in shaping a wide range of political opinions about government and political leaders. Catastrophic events bring citizens together, provide common experiences and information, and create opinions that transcend traditional political boundaries. These moments encourage citizens to re-examine their understanding of government, its leaders and its role in a society from a less partisan perspective.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Atkeson, Lonna Rae

Maestas, Cherie D.

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Medien- und Kommunikationswissenschaften Medienwissenschaften Medien & Gesellschaft, Medienwirkungsforschung
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Spezielle Soziologie Mediensoziologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Medien- und Kommunikationswissenschaften Kommunikationswissenschaften Kommunikation & Medien in der Politik
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Kultur Politische Propaganda & Kampagnen, Politik & Medien
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Kultur Politische Soziologie und Psychologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Extraordinary events and public opinion; 2. A theoretical framework for systematically examining extraordinary events; 3. The media message environment and the emotional context of Hurricane Katrina; 4. Affective attributions: assigning blame during extraordinary times; 5. Federalism in a multiple message environment: are the appropriate leaders held accountable?; 6. Attributions of blame, political efficiency, and confidence in government; 7. Attributions, emotions, and policy consequences; 8. Extraordinary events and public opinion: some broader perspectives.

Über Autor(innen)

Atkeson, Lonna Rae
Lonna Rae Atkeson is Professor and Regents Lecturer of Political Science at the University of New Mexico. She is also the Director of the Center for the Study of Voting, Elections and Democracy at the University of New Mexico.

Maestas, Cherie D.
Cherie D. Maestas is Associate Professor of Political Science and an affiliate of the Center for the Study of Democratic Performance at Florida State University.