Rodgers, Mikey Socialism bad, capitalism good: Unveiling the relationship between metaphorical political communication and political identity. 2023. Radford University, Thesis. Radford University Scholars' Repository.
 |
PDF
Download (835kB) |
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of metaphorical frameworks on political discourse in the United States, particularly in the context of the culture wars characterized by polarized interpretations of sociopolitical issues such as the Green New Deal, critical race theory, and wokeism. It examines how these metaphors, often oversimplified, influence individuals’ confidence in their political understanding and actions. Utilizing a quantitative survey, the research contrasts self-reported data on epistemic political efficacy (EPE), political information efficacy (PIE), political identity, and understanding of the aforementioned metaphors. The findings reveal a surprising lack of correlation between political identity and understanding of these metaphors, suggesting a widespread deficiency in comprehension across the political spectrum. Additionally, the study identifies a paradoxical inverse relationship between EPE and PIE, challenging the assumption that increased access to political information necessarily enhances self-perceived political understanding. These results highlight the need for a deeper examination of the role of political metaphors and their potential to falsely elevate voter confidence, while simultaneously diminishing the substance of political debates in modern politics.
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) |
| Divisions: | Radford University > College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences > School of Communication |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Feb 2024 02:21 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Feb 2024 02:21 |
| URI: | http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/1091 |
Administrative Actions
 |
View Item |
