15: Public Opinion
- Page ID
- 269869
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Public opinion is another important element in democratic politics because it represents the unified desires of citizens
and as such, it helps to keep our government responsible and accountable. Through its influence on elections, policy-making, and public dialogue,
it may validate or contest leadership positions while also creating
the potential for social transformation. 
The power of public opinion depends on how it is measured, and on citizens being well-informed. However, it must also be protected from manipulation. Whether using the
Likert scale (e.g., strongly agree to strongly disagree),
multiple choice
yes/no questions, or
open-ended questions,
politicians rely on polling data of public opinion to accurately represent their constituencies, and to craft legislation that reflects the wishes of democratic majorities.
In this module, we gather more insight about our society’s opinions concerning Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at a time when this discussion has become a central point of disagreement.
- How many Americans think that DEI policies are still necessary
to fight discrimination, and to create inclusive, fair environments?
- Which segments of the population support this argument,
and which ones oppose it?
- Which measurements were used, and which populations sampled?
Racial identities, generational differences, educational backgrounds, and party affiliation may be some of the variables that influence opinions on DEI, and we will investigate them further in the following pages.
Via the readings and media on the next page, learn about the basics of public opinion polling, its effects on politics, and on existing societal DEI divisions. This way, you may gain critical insight into the importance of public opinion, and why its research remains vital in democratic societies.
After that, hone your research and public speaking abilities in our classroom debate activity, and conduct your own opinion poll in your homework assignment.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Explain the role of public opinion in democratic governance, including how it influences policy decisions and institutional behavior.
- Analyze public attitudes toward DEI initiatives, national polling data and scholarly interpretations.
- Critically evaluate polling methods, including question framing, sample selection, and potential biases in public opinion research.
- Design and conduct a basic public opinion survey, applying principles of clarity, neutrality, and ethical data collection.
- Compare and contrast original survey findings with national polling data, identifying trends, contradictions, and possible explanations for variation.
- Develop and defend evidence-based arguments, about the political implications of DEI programs through structured classroom debate.
- Reflect on the relationship between public sentiment and political action, especially in the context of contested or polarized policy issues.
- Demonstrate civic reasoning and political literacy, recognizing how public opinion can both shape and challenge institutional priorities.