Viewing the public sphere with influentials and citizens

Authors

Leo Wayne Jeffres, Cleveland State UniversityFollow
Guowei Jian, Cleveland State UniversityFollow
Jae-Won Lee, Cleveland State University
C. Ellen Connally
Josie El Seikali, Cleveland State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-7-2011

Publication Title

Qualitative Research Reports in Communication

Abstract

The currently popular emphasis on democratic discussion in the “public sphere” often is critically viewed by observers commenting on issues of participation, empowerment, and efficacy without input from influentials, whose voices often are the content of public debates. Habermas was critical of the quality of democratic discourse, arguing for an “ideal speech situation” where participants are free to question all proposals; introduce proposals; and express their attitudes, wishes, and needs. This article examines perceptions of the climate of communication in the public sphere by influentials and the general public of a major urban area.

DOI

10.1080/17459435.2011.601526

Version

Postprint

Publisher's Statement

This is an Author’s Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Qualitative Research Reports in Communication 10-07-2011, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/17459435.2011.601526

Recommended Citation

Jeffres, L. W., Jian, G., Lee, J., Connally, C. E., & Seikali, J. E. (2011). Viewing the public sphere with influential and citizens. Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, 12(1), 60-70. doi:10.1080/17459435.2011.601526

Volume

12

Issue

1