Stay Informed!

By Bill Schweke on 09/14/2011 @ 11:00 AM

Tags: Ideas in Development, Recommended Reading

Diana Mutz’s book, “Hearing the Other Side: Deliberative versus Participatory Democracy” (2006) is a bit of a well-written and thoughtful “wet blanket.” The author delves into an extremely important topic – the effects of increased political discussion and involvement. Her original empirical research discovers a paradox: “participating in politics can bring modest increases in the tolerance of diverse views. But exposure to a diversity of views decreases participation in politics.”

Only about 23 percent of Americans recall having political conversations with those that disagreed with their views. Our citizens appear to have also less exposure to differing views than our counterparts in some countries, but are more talkative about politics. Moreover, civility and tolerance appear to be fostered by awareness of other views and friendship networks that are characterized by diversity of opinions. These factors affect propositions on civil liberties as well.

On the other hand, cross-cutting dialogue increases ambivalence and reduces the propensity to vote and get involved in other forms of political participation. (Ouch!)

The author hesitantly draws two conclusions – the old adage that “religion and politics should never be discussed in mixed company” appears to be true, discouraging lively exchanges by the conflict adverse. And, when forced to choose between democratic ideals, Professor Mutz comes down on more diversity, including more exposure to diverse media messages. (Change is not too likely on this front – too many ways for viewers and listeners to practice “cerebral hygiene” and avoid what they don’t want to experience. And, the erosion of the fairness doctrine is a bummer of a trend too.)

Finally, Mutz’s work shows how creative survey research can be brought to bear on philosophic debates, falsifying some ideas and raising new questions about the efficacy and realism of our political visions.

Read it!

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