Public Opinion Meaning, Definition in English

Public Opinion Meaning, Definition, Process 

Public Opinion Meaning, Definition in English 

In this post we will read about the meaning, definition, characteristics, process and role of media in public opinion in english.

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Meaning of Public Opinion

Opinion is the opinion of the general public, not of any specific person or people, as well as this is the result of wisdom, wisdom, logic. Now if we look at the historical perspective of 'public opinion', we find that it is an English word of the 17th century. French word origin of public opinion

Topinion, first used by Montaigne in 1588 AD.

Definition of Public Opinion 

According to Lord Bryce, "temporary after a long time, but clear idea when certain

Changed in perceptions and accepted by everyone, it is called public opinion. "

According to Ginsberg, "Referendum refers to the ideas or decisions prevailing in society, which are almost certain, in which there is stability, which are equally present among people in a large section of society."

According to Cardinan Coenies, "Public opinion is a kind of unified consensus of emotion, which is accepted or rejected by the individual, group and particular group."

According to William Ellavic, "Opinions on a single topic by a group of people

Consideration is expression. "

According to Susan Herbert, "the process of formal tabulation of public opinion began in ancient Greece, where it was considered the central point of the democratic process."

Qualities of Public Opinion

Following are the salient features of public opinion

1. The question or problem on which public opinion is required to be studied should be so clear and obvious that the class or people concerned should immediately accept its existence.

2 Public opinion is a response to the reactions of individuals in society. In democracy based on adult suffrage, each person has an equal value for his or her own property.

3 The form of public opinion is clear and concrete only when the public community accepts or rejects any proposal by 'yes' or 'no'. To the question of prohibition

Take as an example. Although everyone knows what the consequences of alcoholism can be, yet it has to be said that the public opinion in this country has not been sufficiently organized on this question, because the expected efforts are not being made to implement prohibition. .

On the contrary, the situation has become such that alcoholism is getting encouraged, so it has to be said that the country's public opinion is not ready for prohibition.

4 If we look at public opinion, we see two forms - direct and indirect.

When we directly feel that all others see our words and actions, then we deliberately express our opinion on a question.

The second form is indirect public opinion, in which we express an idea indirectly within ourselves. It is also not necessary that we tell anyone what we have thought?

5. Publicity requires that public opinion be expressed in written or oral form or by symbols. No matter how deep the latent feelings are of public opinion

Are for, as their existence is often regarded as questionable.

Process of Public Opinion

1 Public opinion is related to any public subject or problem.

2. The origin of public opinion is possible after serious thinking by every person of the group or community.

3. Public opinion is constantly changing.

4. Public opinion is always formed only after debate.

5. Public opinion is a widely accepted opinion.

6. Public opinion has its origin. Public opinion is not the opinion of any one person.

7. Public opinion is not necessarily rational, it can also be irrational.

8. Public opinion is influenced by public confidence, prejudice, stereotypes, ideals or values.

9. Public opinion is public opinion, so keeps the members of the entire public active.

10. Public opinion is affected by people of repute, power and wealth due to media.

There is a substantial difference between public opinion and majority. According to LaValle, only a majority is not sufficient for any opinion to be a referendum, nor is a consensus necessary, but it is also necessary that a minority be obliged to accept it even if it is not a partner in it and That too should be based on faith rather than fear. However, if democracy is complete in itself, this approval of the minority should be obtained by its happiness or voluntary

Role of Media in Public Opinion

Newspaper

Newspapers play an important role in educating the public and influencing public opinion by putting various facts in front of the public through daily news, editorial articles and cartoons. They bring public problems, grievances and difficulties to the government and make people aware of the policies and programs of governance. Mainly newspapers help in the creation of ideas or perceptions of individuals who have no views of their own.

Since newspapers reach a large section of the population, the facts and articles published in these newspapers have a lasting impact on public life. They have the potential to influence public opinion in terms of the reality of life. In democratic countries, newspapers play an important role in opposing anti-social policies and programs. If newspapers understand the true meaning of freedom and act in an impartial manner, then they motivate the society to pressurize the right side.

Television

Today, the role of television is increasing under communication.

The rise of news channels has reached the common man through live broadcasting. The scenes of the Mahavinash by the recent catastrophic tsunami waves, Gujarat Communal Tragedy (2002) and Kargil War (1999) were telecast live on TV channels. It had a wide impact on the public. This contributed to the creation of public opinion.

radio

Radio has the highest reach today. Everyone from the village to the cities

The place is easily available. The events that take place in the country and the world are broadcast by it. It plays an important role in building public opinion.

Media limitations

While the media has an unprecedented contribution in the system of democratic governance, on observing it from a microscopic point of view, its limitations also become clear. Freedom of speech and expression has been provided in the system of democratic governance, but criticism under this right can be effective only if this criticism is based on facts and objectively for a particular purpose. Criticism by media can be meaningful only when it is fair and based on facts. This is possible only when the media is free from government control and other pressures. In a democratic country, the freedom of media depends on the public. Only the aware public can maintain the freedom of media. This freedom of the media ends when the government stops them from revealing the truth for their own selfishness.