Philip E. Converse

Combining the efforts of sociologists and psychologists, this work, originally published in 1952 and revised in 1966, embraces these two disciplines to show how social-psychological problems must be viewed in individual as well as general terms. Human interaction is, therefore, the main theme of this authoritative and rewarding volume, which offers a more comprehensive viewpoint than texts written from with a strictly psychological or a strictly sociological approach. Whenever it can be shown that interaction intervenes between individual and group variables, the authors carefully note the manner in which this occurs. Well written yet succinct, the chapters are closely integrated to present continuously developing concepts of the time. Research illustrations are set off typographically but skilfully woven into the related text. Three appendixes, one on the measurement of individual attitudes, a second on survey research, and a third on Bale’s interaction process analysis, may be consulted without interrupting the flow of the other chapters.

Combining the efforts of sociologists and psychologists, this work, originally published in 1952 and revised in 1966, embraces these two disciplines to show how social-psychological problems must be viewed in individual as well as general terms. Human interaction is, therefore, the main theme of this authoritative and rewarding volume, which offers a more comprehensive viewpoint than texts written from with a strictly psychological or a strictly sociological approach. Whenever it can be shown that interaction intervenes between individual and group variables, the authors carefully note the manner in which this occurs. Well written yet succinct, the chapters are closely integrated to present continuously developing concepts of the time. Research illustrations are set off typographically but skilfully woven into the related text. Three appendixes, one on the measurement of individual attitudes, a second on survey research, and a third on Bale’s interaction process analysis, may be consulted without interrupting the flow of the other chapters.

There can scarcely be a greater tribute to the vitality of the Fifth Republic's democracy than this monumental work. A searching analysis of how the will of the voters is translated into authoritative political decision making, this book not only uncovers political truths about contemporary France but also provides a model for the study of other popular forms of government. The authors set out to find an answer to the perplexing question of how representative government operates in France in the seemingly unstable context of multiparties. By interviewing voters as well as legislators in 1967 and in 1968 after the great upheaval, and by monitoring policies of the National Assembly from 1967 to 1973, the authors test relationships between public opinion and decision making. They are able to sort out the abiding political cues that orient the French voter, to establish the normal electoral processes, to gauge the nature of mass perceptions of the political options available to voters, and to interpret the strikes, riots, and demonstrations of 1968 as a channel of communication parallel to the electoral process itself. Lucid in style, methodologically sophisticated, and often comparative in approach, "Political Representation in France" is a seminal work for political scientists, sociologists, and historians.

Here is the unabridged version of the classic theoretical study of voting behavior, originally published in 1960. It is a standard reference in the field of electoral research, presenting formulations of the theoretical issues that have been the focus of scholarly publication. No single study matches the study of The American Voter.