How and Why Did "Public Opinion" Emerge in the Eighteenth

question 18

Essay

How and why did "public opinion" emerge in the eighteenth century? To whom did the "public" refer?

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Definitions:

In-Group

A group to which a person belongs and identifies with, often leading to favoritism towards members of the same group.

Out-Group

Individuals or groups that are perceived as different or apart from an established in-group, often leading to exclusion or negative biases.

Social Comparison

The process by which individuals evaluate their own abilities, achievements, and situation in relation to others.

Mere Contact

relates to the phenomenon where increased exposure to something or someone leads to a more positive evaluation of that object or person.