Steven Chaffee and the Future of Political Communication Research |
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| Authors: | Jack M. McLeod |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Eric W. Welch is Assistant Professor in the Graduate Program in Public Administration in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago;2. Shelley Fulla is a doctoral student in the same program |
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| Abstract: | This article discusses four basic characteristics of Steven Chaffee's research: going beyond the "common research wisdom," careful explication of concepts, avoiding unsubstantiated charges against the media, and investigation of the social aspects of communication. The evolution of political socialization research is used as an example of how these characteristics have strengthened Chaffee's contribution to that area and to the larger field of political communication. It is argued that the future of this field would benefit from emulation of these characteristics. Continuing problems of political communication research are noted, and various emerging problems are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Civic Socialization Community Contexts Concept Explication Family Communication Patterns Internet Uses Interpersonal Communication Media Use Political Socialization Social Capital Social Structural Influences |
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