The Rhetoric of Contemporary Social Movements in the American Public, Private, and Technical Spheres
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
International Business
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Danielle Nielsen, PhD.
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
This research investigates how the rhetoric of contemporary social movements including the March for Our Lives, Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and national teacher strikes have affected the public, private, and technical spheres of American society as defined by Jürgen Habermas and G. Thomas Goodnight. The public sphere according to Habermas is defined by the free discussion of political and philosophical topics amongst the public which has historically led to policy formation and civil movement. Habermas’ private sphere overlaps with the public sphere but is distinct as it centers more around the individual and household rather than the larger society. Goodnight’s technical sphere includes lobbyists, advisors, and business leaders who have the knowledge, experience, and language to influence policy decisions. The purpose of this research is to investigate how the American government, people, and technical leaders interact in a changing social landscape from 2016-2018. This includes rhetorical, communication, and economic behaviors displayed by all parties during major social movements of this period and determining how they have affected the interactions of our society. Research is being conducted through qualitative rhetorical analysis of media reportings, government actions, and public opinion data to determine how the role of these spheres changed through the years of 2016-2018.
Spring Scholars Week 2019 Event
Honors College Senior Thesis
The Rhetoric of Contemporary Social Movements in the American Public, Private, and Technical Spheres
This research investigates how the rhetoric of contemporary social movements including the March for Our Lives, Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and national teacher strikes have affected the public, private, and technical spheres of American society as defined by Jürgen Habermas and G. Thomas Goodnight. The public sphere according to Habermas is defined by the free discussion of political and philosophical topics amongst the public which has historically led to policy formation and civil movement. Habermas’ private sphere overlaps with the public sphere but is distinct as it centers more around the individual and household rather than the larger society. Goodnight’s technical sphere includes lobbyists, advisors, and business leaders who have the knowledge, experience, and language to influence policy decisions. The purpose of this research is to investigate how the American government, people, and technical leaders interact in a changing social landscape from 2016-2018. This includes rhetorical, communication, and economic behaviors displayed by all parties during major social movements of this period and determining how they have affected the interactions of our society. Research is being conducted through qualitative rhetorical analysis of media reportings, government actions, and public opinion data to determine how the role of these spheres changed through the years of 2016-2018.