Spiral of Silence

The spiral of silence is a political science and mass communication theory propounded by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann.

The theory asserts that a person is less likely to voice an opinion on a topic if one feels that one is in the minority for fear of reprisal or isolation from the majority.

Basic framework

The spiral of silence begins with fear of reprisal or isolation, and escalates from there. Individuals use what is described as "an innate ability" or quasi-statistical sense to gauge public opinion.

The media plays a large part in determining what the dominant opinion is, since our direct observation is limited to a small percentage of the population.

The media has such an enormous impact on how public opinion is portrayed, and can dramatically impact an individuals perception about where public opinion lies, whether or not that portrayal is factual.

Noelle-Neumann describes the spiral of silence as dynamic process, in which predictions about public opinion become fact as the media's coverage of the majority opinion becomes the status quo, and the minority becomes less likely to speak out. The theory, however, only applies to moral issues, not issues that can be proven right or wrong using facts.

Uses and limitations

It is as much a measure of protection as it is one of oppression. Since it only applies to moral issues, which tend to evoke passionate responses in even the most reserved individuals, it can be used to contain social unrest over highly controversial topics.

Though it can aide in keeping civil order, attempts to employ it knowingly are essentially methods of manipulation and coercion. For instance, the "don't ask, don't tell" policy compromise on the ban on gays in the Military of the United States allows gays to serve in the military and protects them from reprisal from other personnel, but instead of imposing penalties for reprisals it requires a discharge of an individual who is gay.

Overcoming the silence

The theory explains a vocal minority by stating that people who are highly educated, or who have greater affluence, and the few other cavalier individuals who do not fear isolation, are likely to speak out regardless of public opinion.

It further states that this minority is a necessary factor of change while the compliant majority is a necessary factor of stability, with both being a product of evolution.