Ordinary Political Conversation in Seemingly Nonpolitical Leisure: All Talk and No Action?

Abstract

This article focuses on the potential of leisure to encourage political cross-talk among everyday citizens, exposing its discussants to different political perspectives. Though our literature has long championed leisure for its public sphere effects, little research has examined its actual impact. To generate interest in this line of inquiry, I discuss the value of everyday cross-talk for democratic citizenship and consider the role leisure possibly plays in its advancement. Evidence is reported from the few studies outside of our field that focus on casual political talk in seemingly nonpolitical environments and activities. Finally, potential reactions to political talk in leisure contexts and the outcome(s) of such talk are explored. The article ends with questions posed to offer guidance for future research.

Keywords:

• civic life
• political opinion
• sociability
• homophily
• cross-talk