Ferdinand Tsnnies on Public Opinion

Hanno Hardt is John F. Murray Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication and professor of communication studies at the University of Iowa and professor of communication at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Slavko Splichal is professor of mass communications and public opinion at the University of Ljubjana and director of the European Institute for Communication and Culture.

Tönnies’ prominence in the social science canon has faded in recent years; publication of this translation should rekindle interest. Tönnies’ little known exploration of public opinion was innovative and informed by themes of great concern today—cultural performance, power, and diversity. In addition, it reveals an interesting critical dimension to Tönnies’ sociology.

• Chapter 1 Foreword Part 2 Part I: Introduction and Analysis Chapter 3 Defining Public Opinion in History Chapter 4 Tönnies, Public Opinion, and the Public Sphere Part 5 Part II: Selections from Kritik der öffentlichen Meinung Chapter 6 Introduction to the Translation Chapter 7 Opining and Opinion, Common Opinions Chapter 8 Public Opinion Chapter 9 Public Opinion and "the" Public Opinion Chapter 10 "The" Public Opinion and its Characteristics Chapter 11 Power as a Factor of "the" Public Opinion Chapter 12 "The" Public Opinion as a Political Factor in the Life of the State Chapter 13 The Future of "the" Public Opinion