5. political action

public sphere

the social space in which opinions are expressed, problems are discussed, and solutions are developed with collective communication

counter-public

places where minority groups gather for discussions

what is the purpose of the counter-public?

to build shared understandings in resistance/protection against the dominant group

networked public sphere

a complex interaction of public spheres, both online and offline

social movements

attempts to intervene in the public sphere through collectively coordinated action

what 2 things do social movements claim?

• a wrong should be made right

• a change should be made

what type of public sphere are social movements and how?

counter-public because they attempt to influence change via communication

3 factors in the success of social movements

• resonant frames

• resource mobilization

• political opportunity

resonant frames

whether messages are convincing/persuasive

resource mobilization

whether the movement has the resources to succeed

what resources do social movements need to succeed? (3 things)

• people

• skills

• goods

politial opportunity

it’s easier to make change and get people to join the effort when there’s a chance of success

what public sphere has greater political opportunity and why?

networked publics, because they can overcome pluralistic ignorance

pluralistic ignorance

when everyone falsely believes that others think/feel/believe something they don’t

expression threshold

number of people individuals need to see support an issue/action before they will do so publicly

what does expression threshold balance? (2 things)

• expressive utility

• reputational utility

expressive utility

an individual’s desire to express their thoughts

reputational utility

an individual’s desire to be accepted/respected

2 effects of high expressive utility

• lower expression threshold

• alerts groups of important, ignored truths

2 effects of high reputational utility

• higher expression threshold

• individuals come together in a cohesive group

what is the impact of technology on pluralistic ignorance?

when individuals only see what certain others say, some thresholds may not be satisfied due to ignorance

threshold model

collective action arises from a network where people have different action thresholds

3 disadvantages of networked publics

• slacktivism

• lack of strong ties

• lack of network internalization

slacktivism

low cost, cheap actions do little but satisfy the impulse to be helpful (social media likes)

why can likes reduce pluralistic ignorance?

small acts can lead to bigger ones through broad recruitment

lack of strong ties

change requires sacrifice and personal risk, which can only exist with strong ties

network internalization

networked publics cam quickly grow large and lack important coordination and decision-making mechanisms to take advatange of any opportunity

2 disadvantages of lack of network internalization

• difficult to bargain with opposing sides

• difficult to shift to new issue frame/situation and keep movement together