Abstract
How do opinion dynamics compare across different countries? The moral argument theory of opinion dynamics says that public opinion on moral issues should generally become more liberal, and the rate of change should vary across issues according to how the different issue positions connect with moral arguments that are acceptable to liberals. We conducted a cross-cultural test of this theory, using new measures of the connections between moral arguments and positions together with available opinion data on 98 issues in the United States, 108 issues in the United Kingdom, and 26 issues in Sweden. In each country the theory successfully predicted the pattern of long-term opinion trends. Moreover, on those issues that were covered both in the US and in the UK, argument measures and opinion trends were highly similar between the two countries. In sum, moral arguments seem to have a large explanatory power transcending different political cultures.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
