Public Attitudes Research Articles

European Institutional Integration and the Educational Divide in Support for the European Union

Abstract Since the 1950s, the history of European integration unfolds as a unique social experiment, witnessing the transformation of a non-existent entity into an increasingly institutionalized force. This article delves into the consequences of this ongoing institutionalization on public attitudes towards the institution itself: the European Union (EU). We argue that as European institutional integration advanced, a divide in EU support between more and less educated individuals emerged, with the latter becoming progressively less supportive. Drawing on data from eighty-five waves of the Eurobarometer survey across fifteen countries and over 820,000 individuals from 1976 to 2014, a Bayesian mixed-effects analysis reveals that the gap in support between the more and less educated significantly widened with a country's level of institutional integration. This study emphasizes the necessity of distinguishing institutional effects from temporal patterns in order to enhance our understanding of EU-related public opinion dynamics.

Calling out the Troops to Manage Environmental and Health Crises in Australia: Public Understandings of Domestic Armed Forces Operations

Domestic deployment of armed forces as part of state-led responses to environmental and health hazards is a common occurrence across liberal democracies. Yet we know little about how these domestic operations influence public attitudes. Using six focus groups, we examine Australians’ views on the performance and appropriate roles of the Australian Defense Force (ADF) in the context of two domestic operations: Bushfire Assist (2019–2020) and COVID-19 Assist (2020–2022). We find high trust in the ADF and the capabilities of its personnel in assisting the civil community in crisis response—but a trust often based in “blind faith.” Likewise, we find broad support for domestic deployments, but with a clear caveat: military personnel should not undertake any roles of coercion or enforcement. The findings suggest democratic governments must carefully balance the benefits of leveraging military resources against potentially weakening the public support sustaining military legitimacy and “social license” to operate.

Analyzing The Level of Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Muslim Students Towards Halal Medicine In Yogyakarta

This research aims to examine the influence of public knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards halal medicines. The sample for this research was 100 respondents selected using a purposive sampling method in Yogyakarta. Data was collected through questionnaires distributed via social media and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The research results showed that the variables of knowledge, awareness and attitude were 61.4% regarding the halalness of medicines. Meanwhile, other factors contributed 38.6%, the rest was influenced by other variables. So, the knowledge variable has an insignificant influence, while awareness and attitude have a positive and significant influence on the halalness of medicines. This shows that Muslim students tend to still have low knowledge regarding understanding the halal nature of medicines. Apart from that, awareness and attitude also have different positive influences on the halalness of medicines. These findings have implications for the government, pharmaceutical factories and related agencies to pay more attention to the halalness of medicines in an effort to maintain public health and public trust. On the other hand, this research also contributes to researchers in the pharmaceutical field by enriching the literature regarding factors that influence the halalness of medicines.

(In)stability in American public attitudes toward Jews: a panel analysis

Abstract Polls for the past several decades indicate high regard for Jews in democracies in Western Europe and North American. We however have a limited understanding of the properties underlying those poll responses, for instance whether response bias or nonattitudes account for those results. The nonattitudes perspective suggests that respondents’ survey answers to questions about Jews are not true attitudes. Nonattitudes are weakly held responses to survey questions, and tend to be unstable over time, reflecting random as opposed to systematic change. This paper uses panel data from Voter Study Group surveys to test for individual-level stability in attitudes toward Jews by non-Jews in the United States in the 2010s to assess whether such attitudes are true or nonattitudes. Results suggest considerable instability especially when compared to attitudes toward Muslims, Democrats, and Republicans, suggesting a high degree of nonattitudes in non-Jews attitudes toward Jews. The conclusion offers reasons that might account for this instability in attitudes toward Jews and implications for the continuation of positive regard for Jews in western democracies.

Spinning stories: Wind turbines and local narrative landscapes in Germany

The successful transition toward renewable energies requires public support in areas where their expansion may cause adverse effects. In this context, narratives are crucial as they shape people's perceptions. This article examines the relationship between onshore wind power and related narratives in regions across Germany.We run a series of spatial regression models on regional newspaper data, and our findings suggest that wind-related topics are more prominent and more neutrally (less angrily) framed in regions with more wind turbines. Public attitudes supporting wind energy expansion correlate with the prominence of related topics in regions' narrative landscapes. In contrast, support for anti-wind protests does not seem to correlate with the prominence of wind-energy-related topics in regions with higher wind turbine densities.

Balancing Continuity and Change: Japan’s Pursuit of a ‘Small and Strong’ State Within the Neo-Weberian State Framework

This paper discusses the development of Japanese public administration within its historical and socio-political context, focusing on the question, “How well does the neo-Weberian State (NWS) travel outside Europe?” In the late 19th century, Japan established a Weberian public administration based on the German model. Since the late 1940s, it has consistently pursued the goal of “small and strong government”, but its strategy for achieving has changed over time. It was first driven by a bureaucracy fragmentally allied with the ruling party and business. From the 1980s, it promoted various NPM-type reforms, and since the 1990s, political control has been centralised, depriving the bureaucracy of its ministerial autonomy. Nevertheless, the anticipated shift in public attitudes has not materialized. While the demand for infallible protection by the administration persists, the vulnerabilities in implementation caused by these reforms have become evident during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings show that the NWS has a normative affinity with traditional Japanese values, including expectations that the state realises the public good and ensures security. The Japanese case also implies that the collective memory of past successes driven by hierarchy can simultaneously hinder the NWS by creating unrealistic expectations. Whether the NWS will become a sustainable model for future reforms depends on whether the public confronts the reality of resource constraints.

The human dimensions of harmful algal blooms: An evolving research agenda

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a global phenomenon occurring in a range of aquatic environments, with the potential to have diverse environmental, social and economic impacts. There is growing interest in the human dimensions of HABs particularly as a result of the increased occurrence of HABs linked to anthropogenic activities. However, to date this has focused more on the economic and health implications of HABs events rather than broader human dimensions. This paper presents a series of research priorities that could strengthen social science research on HABs, highlighting topics related to public awareness and attitudes, community science, governance and co-development of solutions, links to the blue economy agenda, impacts on marine culture and heritage, and impacts on health and wellbeing. Finally, the paper presents a series of recommendations developing a transdisciplinary research agenda in order for the ongoing challenges of HABs to be addressed.

Bureaucratic prioritizing among clients in the eyes of the public: Experimental evidence from three countries

AbstractIn response to workloads and service demands, frontline workers often prioritize among their clients when delivering public services. This article examines the implications of such bureaucratic prioritization on democratic governance, specifically the public's attitudes toward how frontline workers prioritize among clients. Using data from a pre‐registered, rank‐based conjoint survey experiment conducted among residents (n = 2655) in Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, we explore two key aspects of bureaucratic prioritization from the public's perspective: (1) citizens' preferences on how teachers should prioritize among students and (2) citizens' beliefs about how teachers do prioritize among students. Our findings reveal general alignments between the public's normative preferences, their descriptive beliefs, and the prioritization tendencies of real‐life teachers as documented in previous research. We discuss the implications of these results in terms of administrative legitimacy and the governance perspective of New Public Service.

The Forced‐To‐Penetrate Myth Acceptance Scale (FTP‐MAS): A New Attitudinal Tool for Assessing Myths That Surround Female Perpetrated Sexual Violence Against Men

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to develop and validate a new measurement tool designed to capture endorsement of myths surrounding female perpetrated sexual violence against men, specifically in ‘forced‐to‐penetrate’ cases. Data were collected among a sample of 4152 UK adults aged 18–55+ (52% female). Dimensionality and construct validity of the Forced‐to‐Penetrate Myth Acceptance Scale (FTP‐MAS) was investigated using traditional Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) techniques separately for the complete sample, males only, and females only. CFA results indicated that FTP‐MAS scores are best captured by a three‐factor model (1. Distorted Sex and Gender Roles; 2. Harm Minimisation; 3. Offence Denial) across all samples tested. Excellent composite reliability and differential predictive validity were observed for all three subscales. The validated 22‐item FTP‐MAS constitutes the first measurement tool which allows for the assessment and evaluation of public attitudes towards female perpetrators who force men to penetrate them without consent. As such, this tool enables researchers to better understand the multi‐faceted nature of these myths, assess prevalence in different contexts, and can also be used as an outcome measure in research seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that aim to debunk endorsement of such myths and stereotypes.

Reconsidering Public Attitudes Toward Deceased Organ Donation Registration.

Background: The aim of the current study is to understand Americans' attitudes toward deceased organ donation and to assess their level of acceptance on positions toward organ donation. Methods: In summer and winter of 2023, 2 national samples completed measures of attitudes toward donation, reported their registration status, rated positions related to donation, and provided demographic information. Results: Data from 2 samples indicated registration estimates between 50% and 57% and a significant proportion of those unregistered reported reluctance to register. The believability of national registry estimates and ratings of acceptability of 9 organ donation positions differed by registration status. Conclusion: Mass media and motor vehicles interventions seeking to increase registration rates should take into consideration individual attitudes and support toward donation may not be as strong as once thought.

Identity Through Two Lenses: The Slovak Minority’s Self and External Views in Poland

This study examines the ethnic identity of the Slovak minority in Poland, focusing on their self-identification and external perceptions. It explores the fluid and dynamic nature of ethnic identity, drawing on theoretical perspectives from scholars such as Babiński and Isajiw. The historical context is analysed, tracing the Slovak minority’s presence in Poland to economic migrations before 1918. Employing a diagnostic survey method, the research investigates the perceptions of both Slovaks and Poles, offering a comparative analysis. The findings suggest that the core elements of the Slovak minority’s identity are rooted in language, traditions, culture, and religion. Despite successful integration and generally positive recognition in Polish society, certain stereotypes and biases persist. The study highlights the dual nature of this identity, where acceptance is accompanied by lingering cultural misconceptions. The research emphasizes the critical role of media and educational institutions in promoting tolerance and understanding of ethnic minorities. It advocates for more active involvement of these institutions in fostering inclusivity and shaping public attitudes, thereby contributing to developing a more culturally diverse and cohesive society in Poland.

Press coverage and public perception of crested porcupines in urban and rural areas of Italy

Amongst species well-adapted to urban environments, crested porcupines are increasingly encountering humans in cities, creating a need to understand public attitudes towards this species. If – on one side – porcupines are attractive and charismatic because of their unmistakable aspect, on the other side their closeness may trigger conflicts with humans, as being regarded as a crop pest. In this work we applied a sentiment analysis to test the general perception towards this large-sized rodent in urban areas. In this work, we analyzed 73 articles from 16 major Italian newspapers. We employed a mixed approach for sentiment analysis: human classification (positive, negative or neutral) and automatic emotion recognition using a lexicon. Sentiment analysis revealed a varied public perception: 43 % negative, 41 % positive, and 16 % neutral. News coverage primarily focused on encounters in human-dominated environments, with urban areas being the most frequent setting. Media attention on crested porcupines surged in recent years, especially focusing on their increasing presence in human-dominated environments. Social perception reflected the dualism between the surprise of detecting this species in urban areas, and the potential conflicts which may arise, without a net prevalence of either positive or negative attitudes toward the species. Our work represents a reproducible approach to tackle the complexity of human-wildlife coexistence in urban areas, besides shedding light on the importance of including media coverage and public perception within the human dimension of wildlife conservation, particularly in urban areas.

Engaging with Second Chances: How Familiarity, Stigma, and Media Exposure Shape Public Attitudes towards Ex-Prisoner-Focused Social Enterprises

Social enterprises provide an effective method for tackling various social problems, including ex-prisoners in the domains of rehabilitation, reintegration, and the reduction of repeat offenses. While this business model is prevalent in other countries, it remains uncommon in Malaysia. This study aims to uncover the issue from the public perspective. Specifically, the objective of this study is to investigate the effects of familiarity with social enterprise models, stigmatization, and incidental news exposure on public attitudes towards ex-prisoner-focused social enterprise. Underpinned by Mere Exposure Effect Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Media Framing Theory, five hypotheses were developed and tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling on 139 cases. Results showed that familiarity with social enterprise models, stigmatization, and incidental news exposure significantly predict attitudes towards ex-prisoner-focused social enterprise. However, the moderation role of familiarity with social enterprise models was not supported for the relationship between incidental news exposure and attitudes towards ex-prisoner-focused social enterprise, and when it interacts with stigmatization. These findings contribute to the understanding of how media exposure, social stigmatization, and personal familiarity shape public perceptions of social enterprises that focus on ex-prisoner rehabilitation. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to reduce stigmatization and leverage incidental media exposure to foster more supportive attitudes towards social enterprises that assist ex-prisoners.

Bee-friendly interventions: the barriers and opportunities affecting urban residents’ conservation of wild bees in Gardens

Wild bees are experiencing population declines globally. Despite urbanisation replacing habitat and forage with synthetic materials, urban residential gardens have the potential to become pollinator hotspots, increasing bee diversity and abundance. We explored public knowledge and attitudes towards bees, and ‘bee-friendly’ interventions (BFIs) conducted by urban residents. We reviewed the motivations and barriers which influence or prevent this, using the town of Woking, England, as a case study. An online questionnaire was distributed in 2023 to residents with gardens or balconies. Results from 286 surveys showed 98.3% of respondents performed ≥ 1 BFI and the most common action was planting “pollinator-friendly” plants (75.9%). Sentiment towards bees positively correlated to the number of BFIs performed, and 94.8% of respondents felt positively about bees. Most participants indicated altruistic motivations behind their performance of BFIs.Implications for insect conservation: Though the public are altruistically motivated to undertake conservation for wild bees, and most are performing at least one BFI, lack of knowledge and understanding is the biggest barrier preventing conservation action. Governments, policymakers, and plant retailers should direct citizens to wild bee conservation organisations to engage and inform the public about bee ecology and improve habitat provision within neighbourhoods.

Shots at school? Public attitudes about vaccination services in school‐based health centers

Shots at school? Public attitudes about vaccination services in school‐based health centers

Investigating the determinants of Singaporean citizens' attitudes toward marine litter pollution control: A policy acceptance model

The problem of marine litter has caused significant threat to marine environment and human health, and has attracted wide attention. It is estimated that the weight of plastic waste in the oceans will exceed that of fish by 2050. Since a large part of marine debris originate from land-based domestic waste, developing relevant policies to manage the disposal of domestic garbage can effectively prevent and control marine litter pollution. Public attitudes toward relevant environmental policies will affect their implementation and final outcomes. However, there is little research on public attitudes toward environmental policies. Therefore, this study draws on the framework of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explore the factors that affect public attitudes toward policy, the affect theory, trust theory and habit are integrated into the model. An online survey for Singaporean residents was conducted, 450 questionnaires were collected and 417 of which were used for data analysis. The results suggest that 13 of the 14 hypotheses presented in the model are accepted. Perceived ease of implementation (β = 0.365), perceived policy effectiveness (β = 0.341) and trust in government policy (β = 0.319) are the main factors that directly affect citizens' attitude toward environmental policy. Perceived policy effectiveness is positively affected by the perceived ease of implementation (β = 0.457), while trust in government policies is positively influenced by both perceived ease of implementation (β = 0.142) and perceived policy effectiveness (β = 0.373). The model showed good explanatory power, explaining 74.6 % of the variance in public attitude toward policy. In this study, a relatively complete model for predicting public acceptance of marine litter prevention policies is proposed for the first time. The model presented in this paper also has the potential to be applied to evaluate policies of various scenarios.

Information Warfare: Adapting to the Ever-Changing Nature of War

Information Warfare: Adapting to the Ever-Changing Nature of War

Public perceptions and attitudes towards wages for essential frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeHow informed are people about the wage gap between those at the top and those at the lower end of the wage distribution? We analyse this question in the light of the debate that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic about the importance of essential frontline workers and how these are paid compared to other occupations.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses wage data for managers in private and public enterprises in Norway in addition to data on wages for two groups of essential frontline workers: cleaning operatives and nurses. We compared this data with what a sample of Norwegians believe the different occupational groups earn and what they think they ideally should earn.FindingsRespondents overestimate the wages of cleaners and nurses, and they think that both groups should be paid more than they actually earn. Respondents also report ideal wage gaps between managers and essential workers that are significantly smaller than the actual wage gap.Originality/valuePrevious research shows that people on average underestimate actual wage gaps in society and that most people want wage gaps that are far lower than these underestimates. This study adds to this literature by looking at what people know about the pay conditions of essential frontline workers and what they think essential frontline workers ideally should be paid compared to other types of work.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0222

Public Awareness, Perception and Attitude Towards Epilepsy in Greater Chittagong

Background: Epilepsy is generally perceived negatively as a lifelong, incurable disorder and is frequently thought of a punishment of evil deeds. To the best of my knowledge no data is yet published in Bangladesh. People should be aware of epilepsy in order to proper management of acute stage and used of antiepileptic drugs and its duration. This study strives to evaluate the public awareness, perception and attitudes toward epilepsy in Chattogram. Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted during the period from November 2012 to October 2013. Initially 474 attendants in Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology of Chattagram Maa Shishu O General Hospital, Chittagong Medical College Hospital & University of Science and Technology Chittagong were included, of them 90 patients did not hear the term epilepsy, so no further question has made. Rests of 384 were selected as sample from study population. Results: Result of all 384 respondents could be analyzed. About the awareness regarding epilepsy among 384 respondents, 52.1% believed that epilepsy is mental illness, 83.59% witnessed seizure - which reflect that level of awareness is moderate. 47.14% respondents seemed that epilepsy is inherited, 63.54% resolved that epilepsy can be cured- which reflect that level of perception is moderate. 67.19% respondents regarded that medication for seizure should take regularly, 52.08% supposed that epilepsy patients were discriminated 31.25% by School mates, 7.81% by their teachers, 13.02% by their spouse which reflect that level of attitude is moderate. Conclusion: Awareness, perception and attitude is moderate in level regarding epilepsy in greater Chattogram. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.22 (2); July 2023; Page 22-26

The Effect of Media Framing on Public Perception of Political Financing in Kisii County, Kenya

Political financing involves using financial resources to influence the political process and election dimension. The media has been at the forefront of shaping how the public perceives political financing and attitudes. The aim of political financing is to balance the imperative of maintaining fairness and integrity in a political process aimed at gaining the trust of the voters. The current study therefore seeks to examine the effect of media framing on political financing in Kisii County, Kenya. The study objectives were; to assess the media definitions of the use of Money for Political activities in Kisii County, Kenya; to explore the communicative framing patterns that influence political financing in Kisii, County, Kenya; to examine media proposals on strategies used by politicians to finance in their political campaigns in Kisii County; to assess the implication of media framing on political financing in Kisii County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the agenda-setting theory, cultivation theory and framing theory. The current study employed a descriptive research design which accommodate both quantitative and quantitative data to carry out this study. The target population, were total of 155 respondents including ({(Governor (1), MPs (9), MCAs (45), two members of the community from each of the 45 wards (90), and media personnel operating within the county (8)). The study employed a purposive sampling technique, given that the data required is based on the specific respondent. Additionally, given the small target population of 155 respondents the study employed census method. The study employed both a structured questionnaire for quantitative data collection and interview schedule qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and inferential statistics while for qualitative analysis study used thematic analysis and findings presented in terms of tables, charts and graphs as well as quotes from your participants respectively. The results of the regression analysis reveal that all the media-related factors examined have a positive and statistically significant impact on political financing in Kisii County. The unstandardized beta coefficients indicate that the Implication of Media Framing has the largest effect on political financing (0.297), followed by the Media Definition of Politician’s Use of Finance for Political Gain (0.347). The Communicative Framing Patterns Used by Media and the Media Proposal on Strategies Used also have depicted a positive influence, with coefficients of 0.109 and 0.231, respectively. In conclusion, the findings underscore the central role of media in shaping political financing in Kisii County. The study recommended that media outlets in Kisii County adopt more transparent and informative framing when discussing political financing.