Questions & explanations
1. Compare the effects of agenda-setting and priming on a voter's decision.
Agenda-setting makes certain issues seem important, so a voter might think the economy is the top issue. Priming then makes the voter judge the candidate based on their handling of the economy. For example, if media focuses on economic problems, the voter will care more about the economy and use it to decide whom to vote for. Both effects work together to influence decisions. Agenda-setting determines what is on the voter's mind, while priming determines the standards for evaluation. A candidate who is strong on an issue that is both set on the agenda and primed will benefit. Without these effects, voters might use different criteria. Understanding both helps explain why media coverage can swing elections.
2. Compare a social movement that uses only peaceful protests with one that uses violence. Which is more effective in the long run?
Peaceful protests often gain more public sympathy and media coverage, which can pressure governments to make changes. For example, the nonviolent civil rights movement in the United States led to important laws. Violent protests, on the other hand, may scare the public and give authorities an excuse to crack down harshly. This can reduce support for the movement's goals. In the long run, nonviolent movements tend to be more successful because they win allies and keep the moral high ground. However, sometimes violent actions can quickly draw attention to an issue, but they often damage the movement's reputation. Overall, history shows that peaceful strategies are more likely to achieve lasting change.
3. Compare the roles of religious institutions in democratic and authoritarian countries.
In democratic countries, religious institutions often act freely and can criticize the government. They may lead peaceful protests or advise leaders on moral issues. In authoritarian countries, the government often controls religious institutions. Religious leaders have to obey the ruler or they face punishment. Sometimes authoritarian rulers use religion to make people obey them, claiming their rule comes from God. In democracies, many different religions can exist together, while in authoritarian places one religion is often promoted over others. So, the main difference is freedom: religious groups in democracies have more independence, while in authoritarian systems they are used by the state.
4. Why might a government try to control how media frames a protest? Give a real example.
A government may try to control framing to reduce public support for the protest. For instance, if protesters are calling for democratic reforms, the government mighttell state media to frame them as 'foreign agents' or 'troublemakers' rather than 'citizens seeking rights.' This framing makes the public see the protest as illegitimate. Governments can also ban independent reporters from covering events, leaving only their own version. In some countries, such as China, authorities tightly control media narratives about protests in Hong Kong. By controlling the frame, the government hopes to discourage others from joining and to maintain its own image. This shows how framing is a tool of power.
5. Compare a single-issue movement with an intersectional movement. Which one might include more voices?
A single-issue movement focuses on one problem, like stopping a new highway. It may attract people who care about that issue, but it can exclude others with different concerns. An intersectional movement, like the Women's March, links many issues such as reproductive rights, racial justice, and economic fairness. It brings together people from different backgrounds and shows how these issues are connected. Because it addresses multiple oppressions, it invites more voices and builds a broader coalition. However, it can also be harder to agree on a single message. Overall, intersectional movements tend to include more diverse perspectives, but they require more effort to keep everyone united.
6. Why might a poor white man and a rich black woman have different political views even if they share some identities?
Their political views differ because their other identities—like class and race—shape their experiences. The poor white man may worry about job loss and welfare policies, while the rich black woman might care about tax cuts and racial discrimination in high-level jobs. Their economic situations and social positions lead them to prioritize different issues. Even though they are both citizens, their overlapping identities create unique concerns. For example, the poor white man might oppose affirmative action, while the rich black woman might support it. Intersectionality explains that no two people are affected by politics in the same way because their identities combine uniquely.
7. What is 'priming' in media effects? Give a simple example.
Priming is when the media makes certain ideas more accessible in people's minds, so they use those ideas to judge politicians or events. For example, if news repeatedly shows a leader's failure to handle a disaster, viewers may start to evaluate that leader based on disaster response, even on other topics. Priming works by calling attention to some issues while ignoring others. It is closely related to agenda-setting: if the media sets the agenda on an issue, it also primes that issue for evaluation. A classic example is how media coverage of the economy can prime voters to judge the president's overall performance by economic conditions. Priming can shape election outcomes.
8. How is 'connective action' different from a traditional protest organized by a labor union?
A traditional labor union protest is organized by a formal group with leaders, membership fees, and pre-planned strategies. Workers march together with signs and chants. Connective action, like a viral hashtag, is loose and personal. Anyone can start a post without permission, and the message spreads through networks. For example, the #ClimateStrike hashtag encouraged students worldwide to skip school, but there was no single coordinator. Connective action relies on technology and individual creativity, while union protests rely on collective discipline. Both can be powerful, but connective action is more adaptable and fast, while union action has more sustained resources.
9. How does the digital divide affect political participation? Give an example.
People without internet access cannot easily read candidate information, sign online petitions, or join virtual town halls. For instance, during elections, many campaigns use social media and websites to reach voters. Those who are offline miss these messages and may not know about important issues or voting dates. This can lower voter turnout among disconnected groups. Additionally, online activism, like hashtag campaigns, requires internet access. So, the digital divide means that some voices are heard less in politics. It creates an unequal playing field where richer, more connected people have more influence. That is why expanding internet access is a political issue.
10. Give an example of a connective action campaign that led to a concrete policy change.
The #NetNeutrality campaign in the United States used online protests to save net neutrality rules. People posted comments, tweeted, and even organized a day of action where websites showed warnings. This online pressure led the Federal Communications Commission to postpone a vote initially. However, later the rules were still repealed, showing that connective action does not always win. Another example is the #LoveWins hashtag after the marriage equality ruling, which celebrated the change but was not the cause. So while connective action can raise awareness and influence public opinion, translating it into policy often requires traditional lobbying and legal action.
11. Give an example of how a news channel might frame a story about immigration to create fear.
A news channel might frame an immigration story by showing images of crowded border crossings and using words like 'invasion' or 'illegal aliens.' It could focus on crimes committed by a few immigrants while ignoring that most immigrants are law-abiding. The story might mention the cost to taxpayers without talking about economic benefits. This one-sided frame creates fear and anger among viewers. The same story could be framed differently by showing families seeking safety and highlighting their contributions. The frame influences how the public feels about immigration policy. Therefore, media outlets have power to shape opinions through the way they present facts.
12. How can a social movement's outcome be measured? Mention one measure.
One way to measure a social movement's outcome is to see if it leads to policy change, such as a new law or regulation. For example, the movement against drunk driving pushed for stricter penalties and lower legal alcohol limits, which were adopted in many places. Another measure is a shift in public opinion, like more people accepting a once- unpopular idea. Movements can also be measured by their ability to create new organizations or networks that continue the work. Sometimes success is partial, like getting a city to ban single-use plastics even if national laws don't change. Ultimately, outcomes depend on the movement's goals and the political context.