The Mass Media and the Dynamics of American Racial Attitudes

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Mass Media and the Dynamics of American Racial Attitudes
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Paul M. Kellstedt
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:174
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
ISBN/Barcode 9780521529150
ClassificationsDewey:305.800973
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 11 Tables, unspecified; 20 Line drawings, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 4 August 2003
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Paul M. Kellstedt explains the variation in Americans' racial attitudes over the last half-century, particularly the relationship between media coverage of race and American public opinion on race. The analyses reveal that racial policy preferences have evolved in an interesting and unpredicted (if not unpredictable) fashion over the past fifty years. There have been sustained periods of liberalism, where the public prefers an active government to bring about racial equality, and these periods are invariably followed by eras of conservatism, where the public wants the government to stay out of racial politics altogether. These opinions respond to cues presented in the national media. Kellstedt then examines the relationship between attitudes on the two major issues of the twentieth century: race and the welfare state.

Reviews

'This book is well written, with a conversational tone and accessible style. Kellstedt has a knack for using analogies and metaphors to explain complex concepts and analyses, which makes the book appropriate for use in graduate and undergraduate courses." - Rosalee A. Clawson, Purdue University