Although the exact point of use of the term public opinion is not yet known but the word has gained ascendency with growing popularity of Democracy.
In broad terms, it refers to organised and considered opinion of a section or many sections of the people, on any issue or problem of public concern. It may or may not be the opinion of all the people or the majority.
According to Arthur Bentley “Public opinion is expression of, by or for group of people. It is primarily an expression of the group interest, by the group itself….”
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It has obvious advantages in a democracy which is confirmed by Sait, “Under a democracy, public opinion becomes an active, propelling factor. The people regard the government as a mere agency to which they have delegated power without relating it from the obligation to obey orders.”
Public opinion is not a static and unchanging affair. Walter Lippmann in his Public Opinion and The Phantom Public holds that man’s political ideas are shaped by information gathered from his surroundings
But his imperfections and defects in communication process constructs stereotypes and he acts in this way.
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Marris Ginsberg also points out that public opinion is a social product due to the interaction of many minds.
The Press, media networks, political parties, educational institutions, legislature are some of the important agencies of forming public opinion.
In India, public opinion reflects variance with regional locations. The regional diversity (language, flora fauna, social milieu and ethos) have vibrant impact on public opinion. There is growing strain on the polity from the public to deliver goods.
However, all such opinions do not reflect the rationality of a civilized being. The specter of religion and caste are strong in most cases. Thus, educational system, civil society groups and enlightened citizenry have vital role to play in this regard.