Cross-Pressures and Attitudes. A Study of the Influence of Conflicting Propaganda on Opinions Regarding American-Soviet Relations

Abstract

STUDY of opinions regarding U.S. policy toward Russia held by a group of union members exposed to both Communist and Roman Catholic influences suggests a number of effects which cross-pressures have on opinions. The majority of workers interviewed were not clearly aware of the conflicting propaganda to which they were exposed. Some of those who were aware of the cross-pressures tended to hold confused or conflicting opinions, and others tended toward well-structured but moderate attitudes. The study has wide implications for those working for an informed public opinion. The author, formerly Survey Director of Conference Research and Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, University of Michigan, is now Associate Director of the Illinois Poll.