Misperceptions as Political Conflict: Using Schattschneider’s Conflict Theory to Understand Rumor Dynamics

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Mass Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Publicly confronting political misperceptions enacts political conflict and is met with public resistance as well as psychological resistance. Applying Schattschneider’s classic model of interest group political conflict to communication by those who publicly resisted messages debunking the misperception that vaccinations can cause autism offers insight into how misperceptions evolve and survive in public discourse. It also extends the model, establishing its relevance for contemporary forms of political conflict. Faced with debunking, believers socialize conflict, inviting audiences to join the struggle on their side. They alter the debate’s terms such that discussion escapes control by authorities. Resulting political debate is a moving target with changing standards of evidence. Confronting political misperceptions may generate activism, encouraging false beliefs to evolve and spread.

Authors

• Jill A. Edy, U of Oklahoma

• Erin E. Baird