Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
From The Studio To The Street: Cultivating Democratic Norms In Uganda, Lee Shaker, Paul Falzone, Paul Sparks, Ruth Kugumikiriza
From The Studio To The Street: Cultivating Democratic Norms In Uganda, Lee Shaker, Paul Falzone, Paul Sparks, Ruth Kugumikiriza
Communication Faculty Publications and Presentations
Communication interventions can make valuable contributions to the democratic development of citizens. This article reports on a nongovernmental organization’s (NGO’s) effort to leverage a television rap news program in Uganda to strengthen viewers’ democratic norms. Two different approaches addressing government failures and malfeasance are tested with an experiment conducted in six villages outside of Kampala. Results indicate that soft news segments can influence viewers’ perceived democratic norms and shape downstream behaviors as well. Beneficial effects were strongest when participants were exposed to stories that featured relatable citizens demonstrating desirable democratic attitudes and behaviors. Treatment effects were most pronounced among less …