The Public Sphere and Politics

A space where public opinion forms and is accessible to all citizens. It's a conceptual space, not necessarily a physical one. Think of it as an environment where ideas are exchanged, debated, and discussed publicly.

The dominant model of public sphere focuses on ideal qualities, such as open access and rational discourse, but ignores the physical space and its impact. It's more concerned with the concept of a public sphere than its actual existence.

This theory argues that the public sphere can be understood in terms of who has access to public spaces and how easily information can be shared and observed. It prioritizes physical space and its impact on communication.

Publicity is the act of making something public, usually by promoting it or making it widely known. It's related to public sphere because it highlights how information is circulated and consumed.

Publicness refers to the quality of being open, accessible, and shared. It's about how easily information can be accessed and shared within a public sphere. It's a key aspect of the 'general sensory access' perspective.

This is the idea that the content of the public sphere is regulated, controlled, and manipulated. Different groups try to shape what is allowed and forbidden.

The study of how the public sphere evolves and changes. It's influenced by social structures, norms, and political actions, and how they shape public spaces and communication.

The public sphere can be used by politicians to gain support or to influence public opinion. It can also limit their actions, e.g., pressure from public protests.

A group of people actively engaged in social and political life.

Groups that hold a dominant position within the public sphere.

The reluctance or inability of individuals to participate in social and political matters.

Disillusionment with private life can lead some individuals to engage in public activities.

Public participation requires knowledge, and ignorance is widespread.

A lack of knowledge erodes interest in public affairs, leading to low levels of civic participation.

Public communication often involves limited, unequal participation.

Those seeking attention in the public sphere are driven by both conveying ideas and gaining recognition.

The ratio of spectators to participants is skewed in significant public events, especially with information technology.

The dominant approach to the public sphere overlooks the passive role of many individuals and its impact on public engagement.

An event that brings to light a transgression, real or perceived, to a disapproving audience.

Scandals often involve self-interested individuals rather than civic debate.

Scandals can be divisive, affecting public morale and discrediting institutions.

The elite are often involved in scandals, while the majority are passive spectators.

A perspective that criticizes Habermas's ideal public sphere, suggesting the formation of counterpublics by marginalized groups to challenge dominant narratives and assert their own voices.

Habermas's notion that the public sphere is inherently tied to the exercise of citizenship, implying that participation in public discourse is a form of civic responsibility.

The notion of the public sphere being dependent on the moral orientation and intent of its participants, emphasizing their commitment to civic engagement and concern for the common good.

The challenge to the idea of a purely objective public sphere, acknowledging the inherent biases and self-serving interests that often influence public discourse.

The critique of the public sphere's focus on left-leaning movements while neglecting non-progressive perspectives, highlighting the need for inclusivity and representation of diverse viewpoints.

The assumption that widespread and egalitarian participation is fundamental to the effectiveness of the public sphere, suggesting that everyone should be able to engage in discussions and have their voices heard.

The argument that the public sphere has declined due to factors such as industrial capitalism, mass democracy, the welfare state, and sensationalized media, challenging the notion of a thriving public sphere.

The recognition of the public sphere as a space where diverse voices and perspectives interact, acknowledging the presence of dissenting opinions, conflict, and even disruptive behavior.

The distinction between the public sphere as a space for collective discourse and the more individualistic act of voting, questioning the equating of public participation with citizenship.

The critique of the public sphere literature for focusing exclusively on the public sphere as a site of citizenship, neglecting the broader scope of public discourse that extends beyond political matters.

The blurring of boundaries between actors in civil society and politicians, highlighting the interconnectedness and often overlapping interests between these groups.

The critique of the public sphere literature for assuming a vibrant and engaged public participation, overlooking the reality of a passive audience and unequal access to the public sphere

The concept that the public sphere, despite its ideal of open and egalitarian participation, often fails to fully deliver on its promise due to systemic power dynamics and social inequalities.

The dominant approach to understanding the public sphere focuses on communication that is hard to establish, constitutes a tiny fraction of significant public events, and is not qualitatively different from institutional political communication.

A space for communication that is often idealized as egalitarian and allows for open participation and discussion.

The dominant approach to the public sphere focuses on an idealized space where civic communication takes place. However, the actual nature of this space, or how it functions, is not fully examined.

Everyday spaces, both physical and virtual, that are accessible to the public, regardless of the type of communication taking place.

Public spaces are not inherently associated with civic or public-spirited behavior. Selfish and elite behavior can occur in these spaces.

The physical presence of individuals in a public space, like walking down a street.

The appearance of names, images, sounds, or words in a public space, like a news article or government records.

The ability to sense and perceive the contents of a public space, such as reading a newspaper or watching television.

The public sphere is not limited to spaces that allow physical access, but also includes spaces where information is accessible through representations, such as online archives or media.

The act of being forced or compelled to appear in the public sphere, even without one's consent, like the exposure of personal details in the media.

Access to the public sphere can be heavily restricted, even in spaces that claim to be open to everyone, such as limited opportunities for publishing in prestigious newspapers.

Many public spaces are primarily accessed as spectators, observing events or information without actively participating, like watching television or reading news online.

The public sphere can be accessed from the privacy of one's home through mediums like television, internet, or window views.

The public sphere is not just about what happens in public spaces, but also about how information and representations are accessed and interpreted.

The idea that the public sphere is shaped by the meanings and importance assigned to different public spaces, leading to different levels of regulation.

The censorship of content in the public sphere based on the potential harm it could cause to specific audiences.

The idea that the public sphere is not just a conceptual space but also a network of physical spaces, where access to information and participation in dialogue are influenced by who has control over these spaces.

Focusing on the emotional or symbolic impact of censorship, beyond just its practical effects.

The effect of publicity on individuals and groups, including how it creates and strengthens social bonds, influences collective actions, and alters social status.

When everyone knows that everyone knows that everyone knows... a shared understanding of a situation, often amplified by publicity.

The difference in power and visibility between someone who is the focus of attention and those observing them.

Publicity can either create new groups by bringing individuals together through shared attention or strengthen existing groups by amplifying their shared experiences.

When events, like accidents or conflicts, create a temporary public, uniting people by shared experience and attention.

Publicity can make social structures more visible and influence how people perceive them. It can highlight inequalities, promote conformity, and even lead to social change.

The power of publicity to increase or decrease someone's social standing, often by turning them into the focus of attention.

A situation where a group will only act if everyone else in the group acts too, often triggered by shared knowledge about a common goal.

Publicity can prompt collective actions, but these actions aren't always beneficial. For example, panic can arise from shared fear, leading to harmful consequences.

Publicity can reveal and amplify fears and uncertainties within a group, potentially leading to a self-defeating collective stance.

When the revelation of internal divisions within a group due to publicity can weaken the group's cohesion and norms.

Publicity can normalize transgressions if they are repeated with significant publicity and impunity, especially if the audience is diverse in their values.

Signs, symbols, and information that are accessible to anyone in the public sphere, regardless of their relationship to each other or to the space itself.

The primary governing principle shaping the public sphere. It emphasizes the role of the observer or spectator who does not necessarily need to be actively involved in what they are witnessing.

The public sphere is a realm of appearances. Individuals are judged primarily based on their outward presentation, rather than their internal thoughts or motivations.

People appearing in the public sphere often represent or symbolize broader groups, categories, or types. This tendency is more pronounced when social distance exists between those appearing and observing.

A collection of strangers who become aware of each other by observing the same thing in the public sphere, whether it's an event, a piece of media, or even a shared experience.

The public sphere is inherently superficial, reducing individuals to appearances and types. This can create a sense of inauthenticity as actions become performances for an audience.

The public sphere is a space of signs and symbols, requiring a semiotic approach to understand how meaning is created and communicated.

Public spaces are not limited to physical locations. Virtual spaces like the internet can also function as public spheres, as long as they meet the criteria of general visibility and audibility.

The public sphere is not just about civic or civil discourse. Understanding the dynamics of visibility and audibility is essential to studying communication within the public sphere, regardless of its content.

Physical public spaces, like streets, allow for physical presence, but they inevitably generate semiotic phenomena. These spaces are not designed for signs, but they can't avoid creating them.

Public spaces designed specifically for the transmission of signs, like museums or online platforms, exist primarily to provide content to strangers with sensory access.

Public spaces can serve as spaces for action and interaction, geared toward the welfare of strangers. The public sphere requires a willingness to engage with others outside of close relationships.

The public sphere can both foster civility and create opportunities for falsification. It can encourage people to be more altruistic and behave better in public, but it also allows individuals to present a carefully curated version of themselves.

Recognition in public is a valuable asset, comparable to other forms of capital, like money, power, or social status. It's about being noticed and acknowledged by others.

Publicity is a double-edged sword. It can make you famous but also expose you to scrutiny and criticism. This makes it a risky but potentially rewarding tool for political actors.

The act of making something public and widely known, often through promotion. It's about broadcasting information and getting widespread attention.

Publicity can be used to communicate ideas and messages to a large audience, but political actors often use it strategically to gain attention and influence public opinion.

Political actors often try to create a positive public image to gain support and legitimacy by presenting themselves as courageous, selfless, or representing certain ideals.

Publicity can be used to reinforce power and influence, by showcasing acts of power and strength to a wider audience. Think of parades, grand displays, or public pronouncements.

Publicity can be used to attack and undermine opponents, by exposing their flaws or misdeeds to raise public awareness and erode their support.

Publicity can be used to shape public opinion and influence behaviors, by highlighting certain ideas or events and influencing public perception.

Political actors often try to achieve fame and recognition within the public sphere, seeking to become well-known and influential figures.

Publicity can help political actors gain support through building public image, communicating ideas, and influencing public opinion. It's a powerful tool, but it can be misused.

Publicity can be a constraint for political actors, as it can expose vulnerabilities and lead to scrutiny, criticism, and potential backlash from the public.

The public sphere is not only influenced by political actions, but also serves as a platform for political action, where ideas are debated, movements are formed, and public pressure can influence political decisions.

The act of performing in public, whether through speeches, actions, or events, to gain attention, shape opinion, or reinforce power.

The use of scandal to gain recognition or elevate one's status.

Public actions intended to provoke a reaction or challenge the status quo.

The process of using publicity to damage someone's reputation and credibility through accusations or revelations of wrongdoing.

The practice of attacking a group or individual by associating them with a specific category or membership.

The extent to which information about a person or event is widely known and accessible to the public.

The inherent paradox of publicity for political actors, where it can both enhance and undermine their power and status.

The tendency for political actors to be judged based on their public image and appearances, regardless of their true intentions.

The need for political actors to maintain an image of integrity and trustworthiness, as a lack of transparency can erode public trust.

The difficulty for political actors to control the meaning of their words and actions in a large and diverse public sphere, leading to vagueness and ambiguity in their communication.

The increased transparency and scrutiny faced by political actors as their activities become more public and visible.

The need for political actors to appear genuine and authentic, despite the fact that authenticity itself is a constructed image and difficult to maintain.

The potential for public spectacle, such as a political scandal, to transform an individual from a villain into a hero through their actions or public perception.

The impact of high visibility and public expectations on political actors, which can lead to dissatisfaction and distrust if they fail to meet those expectations.

The role of American presidency as a relatively weak office until the early 20th century, where governance was primarily state-based and federal government was largely defined by patronage politics.

The act, process, or practice of restricting access to information or expression, especially through censorship.

The study of signs and symbols, including their meanings and how they are used in communication.

The president's power and influence grew significantly during the 20th century, particularly after the New Deal and the Cold War, becoming a more prominent and powerful figure in American politics.

As the power of the president increased, the press became increasingly deferential, often portraying presidents in a flattering light, even overlooking their personal failings.

The presidency's growing public visibility during the 20th century led to higher expectations from the public, which eventually created tension between public perception and the reality of the presidency.

Presidents increasingly relied on public image management and polling to maintain a positive public perception, as transparency became a hallmark of presidential conduct.

The presidency's newfound prominence led to heightened scrutiny, with increased transparency and accountability, including congressional oversight and investigations into presidential actions.

As the presidency grew in power and public visibility, it became increasingly subject to public opinion, which could influence presidential decisions and actions.

The president's ability to withhold information from Congress, known as executive privilege, became more contentious as more executive actions were made subject to public and Congressional scrutiny.

The public's perception of presidents shifted dramatically as the country experienced major events like Vietnam and Watergate, leading to a decline in public trust in government officials.

The growth of the president's staff focused on media relations, reflecting the increasing importance of managing public perception during the presidency.

The president's prominence during the 20th century made the office a major focus of public attention, with a significant portion of news coverage devoted to the president.

Presidents often attempted to control their image, creating a favorable narrative for themselves and their actions.

The public's scrutiny of the presidency extended to the president's private life, which was increasingly subject to investigation and scrutiny.

The president's use of executive privilege, a power to withhold information from Congress, was often seen as a way to conceal wrongdoing or protect political interests.

The presidency's growing prominence in American politics made the incumbent a unifying figure for the nation, but also subject to intense public pressure and scrutiny.

The president's power and influence during the 20th century were rooted in the changing nature of American society, including economic and administrative modernization.

The idea that controlling what is visible to the public can be a form of power, often used to suppress or promote certain groups or ideas.

The practice of using veiling to regulate women's visibility in public, often linked to cultural and religious norms in some Muslim-majority societies. It can be seen as both a protective measure and a form of social control.

The idea that the more indirect and subtle the harm of something in the public sphere, the more difficult it is to regulate it, leading to political conflict.

The process of gaining attention and visibility within the public sphere, often a central part of contemporary identity politics. Groups seek to be seen, heard, and acknowledged for their experiences and perspectives.

The idea that increasing visibility in the public sphere can sometimes backfire, leading to increased prejudice and discrimination against already marginalized groups.

The ongoing struggle to determine what should and should not be visible or audible in public spaces. This involves debates about acceptable language, images, and behaviors.

The idea that privacy has become increasingly challenged in the public sphere, especially with regards to personal lives and sexual matters. This can be seen in the rise of public debates about sex, gender, and sexuality.

The argument that personal experiences and domestic issues are not separate from public matters. This challenges the idea that private life is off-limits from public scrutiny.

The process of openly disclosing one's sexual orientation in public, often used as a tool to promote acceptance and challenge stigma.

An act or event that reveals wrongdoing, a transgression, or a scandal, often exposing individuals or institutions to public scrutiny.

The emphasis on the public's right to know, even if it infringes on individual privacy, often seen in debates about freedom of the press and the public's right to information.

The claim that the public sphere often prioritizes left-leaning movements and perspectives, potentially neglecting other viewpoints and leading to a lack of diversity and representation.

The idea that participation in the public sphere should be widespread and equal, allowing for everyone to have their voices heard and contribute to public discourse.

The practice of refraining from discussing private or intimate matters in public, particularly those related to sex and personal relationships. It refers to a social norm that shapes what is considered acceptable or appropriate for public discussion.

A social norm that emphasizes the importance of being discreet and reserved in public discourse, particularly on sensitive topics like sex and violence. It is often intertwined with modesty norms and influences the kinds of information people are willing to share.

The process by which the public sphere becomes increasingly saturated with sexual content. This can involve changes in media, entertainment, and social norms, leading to a broader acceptance of explicit material.

The use of sexual issues and identities to advance political agendas or make claims about morality and social values. Examples include using someone's sexual orientation for political gain or emphasizing personal morality in political campaigns.

A period of significant changes in social norms and attitudes towards sexuality in the 1960s. This included shifts in sexual behavior, the rise of the sexual revolution, and the changing role of women in society, paving the way for the sexualization of the public sphere.

The process of taking something that was once considered private or taboo and making it public, often with the intention of influencing public opinion or changing social norms. This can be applied to personal information, political scandals, or even personal experiences.

The gradual elimination of death, violence, and pain from public spaces, particularly those with high visibility. This shift in attitudes can be seen in the decline of public executions and the movement of cemeteries to the outskirts of cities.

The process by which changing attitudes and social norms influence the visibility of certain issues or information in public spaces. This involves shifts in what is considered acceptable or appropriate to discuss publicly.

This theory highlights the crucial role of 'visibility' and 'publicity' in shaping social meanings and perceptions.