Abstract
Background In the context of globalization, as one of the most significant bilateral relations in the world, the dynamics of China-US relations exert a considerable influence on the world. Simultaneously, the accelerated advancement of Internet technology has provided a more expansive array of avenues for acquiring information. Through Social media, news websites, and international forums, Chinese youth groups demonstrate a heightened interest in global affairs. However, the divergence between disparate cultural and political systems has resulted in Chinese youth developing nuanced and multifaceted political dispositions when engaging with the United States and other Western nations. It is therefore imperative to study the political attitudes of Chinese youth, particularly to the United States. Objectives The concept of political attitude expression refers to the external manifestation of an individual's ideological position's usefulness. However, there is a lack of empirical research examining the alignment between an individual's inner motivation and their expression of political attitudes. Based on the aforementioned information, an experimental study was devised and executed with the aim of discerning political attitudes. The study focused on individuals' external expressions of political attitudes and their intrinsic motivations, specifically in relation to the United States. The objective was to examine whether specific factors could potentially influence the external manifestation of individuals' internal ideologies. Main ideas Various factors contribute to the expression of individual ideologies. The ideologies expressed by individuals do not solely reflect their ideological beliefs, but rather arise from a complex interplay of moderating factors influenced by individual rationality regarding economic costs and social circumstances. Conclusions (1) The political attitudes of Chinese youth toward the United States in general demonstrate a left-leaning trend, with low favorability toward the U.S. (2) Economic interests exert an influence on ideological expression, and individuals holding a left-leaning ideological position may elect to accept financial incentives and formally demonstrate high favorability toward the U.S., driven by economic interests. (3) Transformations in the social milieu may precipitate a phenomenon whereby individuals are inclined to "follow the crowd," concealing their authentic political dispositions and eschewing genuine political expression.
Keywords
Ideological Expression, Ideological Position, Political Behaviour, Political Attitudes
1. Introduction
The contemporary global context is one of profound change, characterized by the coexistence of traditional and non-traditional security challenges, the prevalence of hegemonic and bullying practices, and the continued fragility of the global economy. The relationship between China and the United States is complicated and complex. The image of the United States in China is generally very negative. It is portrayed as a declining power with ambitions to dominate the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Beijing's attitude toward Washington has its origins in Chinese domestic goals and needs.
This study investigates the manifestation of personal ideological expression, which is rooted in the historical context of Chinese individuals' political attitudes towards the United States. It explores how nationalist sentiments have significantly shaped their perceptions of the perceived threat posed by the United States. The notion of the 'American menace' in China has witnessed an upward trajectory since the occurrence of the embassy bombing in 1999, and the subsequent plane accident in 2001 swiftly prompted a surge in anti-American nationalist sentiment. In recent times, there has been an escalation in tensions between the United States and China due to the US-China trade war, the Taiwan issue, and the new pneumonia epidemic. Additionally, the Ukraine issue has sparked a fresh wave of international contemplation and discourse, leading to a rapid dissemination of negative public sentiment towards the United States in both physical and virtual domains. Currently, a significant portion of the Chinese population is exhibiting an anti-American sentiment in response to the ongoing smear campaign led by the United States and its Western allies. However, it is challenging to ascertain the precise factors contributing to this attitude, as it may stem from intrinsic personal motivations, economic inclinations, or social conditions. To what extent does the ideology driving anti-American political conduct and sentiments manifest itself? Furthermore, it is important to examine the degree of responsiveness exhibited by this ideological manifestation towards individual costs and societal situations. These questions hold significant value and merit further investigation.
Political attitudes refer to the enduring and comprehensive inclinations of individuals within a society to react to political power and rights, as well as their tangible manifestations, in the form of predispositions to either endorse or reject, support or oppose specific political power, political rights, or political institutions. Zaller and Feldman adopt a socio-cognitive framework in their examination of the evaluation of political attitudes.
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They contend that individuals generally possess intricate cognitive processes about politics, which evolve over time. Consequently, individuals communicate their particular political stances when prompted to supply an attitude. In the realm of political attitudes, several academics argue in favor of individuals incorporating divergent perspectives and corresponding arguments, therefore consolidating their manifold interests into a singular claim of common interest.
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Scholars perceive the fundamental elements of ideology as closely associated with political attitudes, hence regarding political attitudes as a direct manifestation of prevalent ideology. This is typically observed through the differentiation between conservative and liberal political attitudes, as well as the distinction between left and right. The ongoing discourse surrounding hierarchy, power, and inequality serves as a defining factor in delineating divergent political forces and factions within the realm of politics, persisting in contemporary times. In recent times, there has been a growing scholarly interest in exploring the instrumental or consequential motives behind political beliefs. This research delves into the influence of social environment and interest incentives on the manifestation of political attitudes. This study presents a methodology for identifying ideological expressions of personal political attitudes. It investigates the dynamics of personal ideological expressions in response to evolving external social contexts and changing personal economic costs. Additionally, it explores whether individuals who are willing to bear the costs associated with expressing their ideology are influenced by the actual cost of expression. Furthermore, the study aims to determine whether public or private expressions better reflect an individual's ideological stance.
Moreover, a crucial aspect in the examination of political communication revolves around the characterization of the transformation in individuals' ideological positions resulting from certain forms of propaganda education and ideological communication. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that the mere presence of quantifiable alterations in political attitudes is insufficient; it is crucial to deliberate upon the nature or type of transformation that these political attitudes include. One type of change is characterized by a surface alteration in language, which is temporary and quickly fades away. Another type involves a more enduring ideological position, manifested via attitudes and ideas that get incorporated into an individual's value system. Does the utilization of propaganda, education, and ideological communication result in public conformity without genuine private acceptance, or does it foster both public conformity and sincere private acceptance? The initial point of clarification about education and ideological transmission warrants attention. It is only via this process that we can get insightful assessments on the political behavior and responses to events exhibited by individuals who adhere to specific ideological stances. Consequently, we can develop appropriate measures to influence the prevailing ideology and ensure its stability.
This article aimed at explore the extent to which individuals engage in ideologically motivated political activity may be shaped by their personal instrumental objectives, as well as the perceived societal advantages and disadvantages associated with such actions. In the hypothetical scenario when instrumental incentives are absent and social interests are not a factor, would individuals be inclined to bear the cost of expressing political sentiments exclusively driven by intrinsic motivations? In simpler terms, do individuals have no actions or thoughts that they may bring forward while expressing their ideological stances? In order to address the aforementioned inquiries, the present investigation devised and executed an empirical study with the objective of discerning the manifestation of individual political inclinations. The experiment was selected to investigate individuals whose political attitude behaviors lack real-world ramifications and are not influenced by a social setting that may impact the potential advantages or disadvantages connected with these behaviors. Naturally, if individuals modify their behavior due to their awareness that their choices will be scrutinized by the researcher, or if their behavior is influenced by the contrived nature of their surroundings, then the validity of the ideological implications underlying such political behavior becomes uncertain. To capture ideologically disclosed preferences, our experimental design employs a methodology that indirectly elicits instruments and social incentives for expressing political attitudes. This approach aims to minimize the emphasis on contrived behaviors and foster a more authentic response.
Studying political attitudes of Chinese youth toward the United States has both theoretical and practical significance. It enables a more comprehensive understanding of the political attitudes of youth groups, provides new ideas and directions for the development of related disciplines, and facilitates more effective ideological and political education for youth, cultural exchange and cooperation between China and the United States, and the advancement of national diplomatic strategy. On the one hand, from a theoretical perspective, the study can facilitate a more profound understanding of political attitudes among youth groups. In particular, it can enhance comprehension of how these groups perceive and comprehend the American political system, political culture, and political events
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Secondly, it can assist in the revelation of the commonalities and characteristics of youth political attitudes within the context of globalization, thereby providing a novel theoretical framework for the study of international political relations.
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Thirdly, it helps understand the advancement of political socialization theory.
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By examining the formation process of Chinese youth's political attitudes toward the United States, this study can test and revise the existing theories of political socialization, thereby promoting their innovative development within the context of the new era. On the other hand, in practice, an understanding of the actual situation of Chinese youth's political attitudes toward the United States guides the youth to establish a correct worldview, outlook on life, and values, while enhancing their sense of national identity and national pride. The study also has the potential to facilitate cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States.
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By fostering mutual understanding and respect between Chinese and American youth, it can help to reduce misunderstanding and prejudice and lay a solid foundation for future cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
2. Review of Literature and Theoretical Framework
2.1. Ideological Positioning and Articulation of Political Orientations
Political attitudes refer to the overall opinions held by people regarding the level of stability within the political functioning of a state. These attitudes are manifested via individuals' inclinations towards the political system, the structure and operation of political power, as well as their understanding of political rights and responsibilities. The structure of political attitudes, being a significant determinant of individuals' engagement in political activities, may be seen as a dichotomy including positive and negative beliefs, as well as support and opposition. Political attitudes are inherently aligned with ideological principles, thereby reflecting individuals' particular political stances in accordance with the construction of ideology. Political subjects, under the influence of political views, partake in a range of political practice activities.
Political conduct, in turn, serves as the outward manifestation of individual political attitudes, among other factor.
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According to Zhang Aijun and Sun Yuxun, the emergence of political attitudes and actions inside the Chinese online sphere is contingent upon the individual's selection and evaluation of values.
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Individuals manifest their ideological orientation through exhibiting political views, either through active statements or passive observations of political behaviors, in reaction to both local and international public events.
Irrespective of the mode of communication, the use of distinct lexicon by a speaker to denote a certain entity signifies the speaker's political awareness, with the choice of language being intricately linked to the speaker or author's individual stance and ideological inclination.
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There is an inseparable connection between political attitudes, ideology, and political behavior. Political attitudes are an individual's broad perceptions and value judgments about political reality; ideology is an important part of these perceptions and value judgments; and political behavior is the concrete embodiment of these attitudes and ideologies in the real world. The three are intertwined and mutually influential, and together they form the basis and impetus for individual participation in political life.
Political attitudes are commonly delineated along a spectrum of left and right ideological positions, which are determined by variances in the identification and assessment of values such as freedom, justice, equality, and democracy.
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Indeed, the use of the "left" and "right" divisions is a widely used analytical framework for studying political attitudes and ideological positions and how these positions affect individual attitudes toward specific issues (e.g., reform and opening up, China's relations with the West, etc.).This division not only reflects people's different understandings of and preferences for core values such as freedom, justice, equality, and democracy but also profoundly influences their attitudes and reactions to domestic and international political events.
At the general level, the labels "left" and "right" are commonly employed to encapsulate distinct ideological stances. According to the research conducted by Ma Dayong and Lu Yizhou, there exists a significant correlation between the left-right ideological difference and individuals' views and inclinations towards certain topics or public opinion.
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Specifically, the left-leaning individuals in China exhibit a more pronounced inclination towards patriotism and nationalism. The emergence of nationalism in present-day China is a dynamic and reciprocal process that involves the interplay between historical memory and the current socio-political context. In the realm of practical politics, the occurrence of events that are viewed as reminiscent of past instances of 'humiliation and resistance' or acts deemed as 'insults to China' tends to evoke a collective recollection within the Chinese populace, leading to an upsurge in nationalist feelings.
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According to Shen, there was a rapid emergence of public anti-American sentiment in response to a succession of international incidents, such as the bombing of the Federal Embassy of Yugoslavia and the crash of planes in the South China Sea.
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The degree of left-leaning ideology among the Chinese populace throughout the pivotal events corresponded to their level of adherence to the official political narrative, and was directly proportional to their political antipathy towards the United States, which was perceived as a nation that engendered offense.
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2.2. Factors Influencing the Manifestation of Political Attitudes
Various variables impact ideological stances and manifestations. The development of political beliefs, political emotions, political will, and political behavior is closely tied to an individual's pre-existing knowledge, thought patterns, and value system.
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Additionally, genetic factors may play a role in shaping these aspects, while political attitudes are influenced by personality traits such as the Big Five and authoritarian personality.
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According to Chen Liang, there exists a correlation between people' political behavior patterns, namely their ideological viewpoints, and their emotions and interests in matters pertaining to public affairs.
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According to the prevailing opinion of the Chinese online landscape, individuals who exhibit timid political personalities in offline political contexts tend to maintain their timidity when engaging in online political discourse.
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In the media age, the proliferation of media content and its use by different publics often raises the question of whether and how the media might influence political attitudes and behavior.
The coexistence of ideological viewpoints and manifestations within the external social context is influenced by the economic urge to generate profit. Based on the premise of the "economic man," individuals possess an inherent inclination towards maximizing their own financial gains and hence require appropriate guidance and regulation.
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. Additionally, the external environment also has a constraining influence on their behavior. In Zang Deshun's examination of Granovetter's theory, it is posited that individuals do not make decisions and engage in actions independently of the social structure and social relationships.
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Rather, they are intricately intertwined within the particular and contemporary social structure and social relationships, which influence their behavioral choices in accordance with their subjective intentions. Consequently, individuals can be characterized as "social beings." The external social context in which ideas are presented is comprised of tangible, existing social structures and social connections. Given the coexistence of environmental forces and economic incentives
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, individuals are compelled to carefully deliberate on both elements and the potential ramifications associated with various combinations of these factors before to engaging in any "risky expression."
2.2.1. The Expression of Political Attitudes Within the Context of the Social Environment
Personality qualities have been identified as a very reliable indicator of future conduct, especially for persons who perceive others as unique individuals rather than as part of a collective.
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According to a study conducted by Molden, Plaks, and Dweck, the incorporation of contextual elements is essential in understanding behavior from a dynamic viewpoint of personality.
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According to Gill and Andreychik, individuals who have a propensity to take historical impacts into account exhibit more attentiveness towards contextual elements that shape behavior.
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Liberals have a proactive inclination to modify their expressions in accordance with the prevailing context, whereas conservatives prefer to prioritize the attributional aspects, albeit acknowledging the significance of contextual effects when they perceive alignment between ideological ideals and contextual explanations.
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Conservatives prioritize the notion of individual responsibility as a fundamental aspect of their ideology, focusing on the internal factors that influence conduct. In contrast, liberals emphasize the significance of situational constraints on behavior, taking into account external factors that shape individuals' actions.
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Research findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between people' sense of belongingness to a communal process and their level of social duty.
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In order to ascertain the inherent worth of voters in a collective decision-making process, it is necessary to observe their involvement via the diligent execution of acts within a group context.
In contrast to the predominant focus of Western scholars on situational factors influencing ideological expression within the context of electoral politics, Chinese scholars have adopted a more comprehensive approach. They have examined the correlation between political attitudes and the social environment from multiple angles, encompassing historical culture, governance performance, institutional norms, and the media.
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Yin Jiwu highlights the significance of historical tales in elucidating the cultural milieu's influence on the comprehension of specific political attitudes and psychological dispositions, such as the Chinese variant of a civilized state, collectivist-oriented rationalism, and the notion of global order.
According to social identity theory, individuals possess an inherent inclination and propensity to form distinct social groupings. Following the differentiation between in-group and out-group delineations, the 'group' serves as the contextual framework within which its members manifest their ideological expressions.
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When individuals encounter societal barriers, distortions, or suppression in expressing their political identity, they tend to exhibit fundamental manifestations of passive identity, pseudo-identification, and apathetic identity.
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This gives rise to the occurrence of 'depoliticization', characterized by a reduced emphasis on political matters and a greater focus on leisure
. At times, the political conduct exhibited by individuals may not accurately mirror their political affiliation, but rather be influenced by external factors exerting pressure on the political agent.
2.2.2. Manifestation of Political Ideologies and Individual Preferences
According to Marxist ideological theory, ideology is attributed with the function of inspiring and driving political behavior among individuals.
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Nevertheless, in light of the emergence of ideological finality, several scholars in the field of political science contend that ideology has diminished in its capacity to instigate collective mobilization. They say that political conduct is now predominantly shaped by pragmatic necessities rather than ideological fervor.
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Downs examines individual voting behavior through the lens of economic theory of democracy, emphasizing the significance of instrumental rationality in motivating individuals to vote when their behavior might potentially impact the outcome.
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Given the little probability of a single vote significantly altering the result of an election, individuals engage in voting due to the utility they gain from expressive behavior.
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, which serves as a means of signaling their self-esteem and self-worth.
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Furthermore, they are driven by the personal "consumption" rewards associated with the act of voting. The analysis of voter choice has been conducted within the framework of the need for instrumental 'tax consumers' in the 'political market'. People are more likely to engage in voting if they perceive that the overall anticipated advantages outweigh the potential costs. This category of voter has a preference for instrumental usefulness and prioritizes economic rewards.
Political attitudes possess a significant instrumental nature as a result of their roots in the context of Western electoral systems.
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According to Yu, Xie, and Liu, within the Chinese context, it is observed that political attitudes exhibit a secular nature. Individuals tend to prioritize their personal experiences and practical sentiments, emphasizing utilitarian values and sensory gratification.
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Consequently, their political cognition and emotional attachment are primarily guided by immediate interests, serving as the fundamental value orientation. According to Guo's findings derived from a questionnaire survey, certain individuals engage in political participation with the objectives of acquiring additional capital through the accumulation of contacts and resources, enhancing their political standing and reputation, and advocating for their personal interests and rights.
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According to Marx, the pursuits and endeavors individuals engage in are fundamentally driven by their personal interests. The Chinese context exhibits a deficiency in a comprehensive theoretical framework regarding political participation. However, empirical evidence, as exemplified by Wei Shuyan and Sun Feng's research, suggests that when individuals perceive a threat or potential harm to their personal interests, their inclination towards political engagement is activated either through self-motivation or as a reactive response.
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Based on the aforementioned literature evaluation, this report presents the research hypothesis as seen in
Figure 1.
Hypothesis 1: The ideological viewpoints of individuals have an impact on how they articulate their political attitudes. persons who have a left-leaning ideological stance tend to exhibit a diminished level of favorability towards the United States, whereas persons who align with a right-leaning ideological perspective tend to demonstrate a heightened level of favorability towards the United States.
Hypothesis 2: The correlation between individual ideological stances and the manifestation of political attitudes is subject to the moderating influence of personal proficiency. Maintaining a leftist perspective. Individuals who have a certain ideological perspective exhibit a notable degree of positive sentiment towards the United States, which can be attributed to their personal interests.
Hypothesis 3: The association between an individual's ideological orientation and the manifestation of political views is contingent upon the moderating impact exerted by the social context. Individuals who adhere to a specific ideological position demonstrate a diminished level of positive sentiment towards the United States when influenced by the social context.
Figure 1. The correlation between individuals' own ideological position and their manifestations of political attitudes.
3. Methodology and Execution of the Study
3.1. The Objective of This Study and the Idea of the Operation
The research team performed an investigation on individuals' political views towards the United States with the aim of examining the potential effect of personal ideological perspectives, as well as the consideration of personal interests and social conditions, on ideological expression. The study sought to assess whether these factors are influenced by instrumental rationality. The study had a sample size of 240 participants. The expenses allocated to the participants in this research were obtained through the National Social Science Foundation project titled "Investigating the Impact of Social Networks on National Ideological Security and Countermeasures". This research examined the variables listed below.
3.1.1. The Demographic Variables
Demographic variables refer to characteristics of a population that may be measured and categorized, such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education level, etc The student population exhibits a high degree of homogeneity with respect to demographic parameters, which enhances the efficacy of conducting tests and allows for better control over extraneous variables in order to obtain more accurate conclusions. Nevertheless, several variables, including gender, average yearly family income, and political makeup, were taken into account as potential confounding factors that may affect causal inference. As a result, these variables were thoroughly investigated and adjusted for in the analysis. Following the completion of the task, the primary demographic factors considered were as follows: gender, with a binary coding scheme where 1 represents male and 0 represents female; yearly household income, categorized into four groups denoted by numerical values 1, 2, 3, and 4, representing minimum 25%, between 25% and 50%, between 50% and 75%, and maximum 25% respectively; and political identification, with a binary coding scheme where 1 represents communist and 0 represents other political affiliations.
3.1.2. The Dependent Variable
The variable that is being measured or observed in a study is referred to as the dependent variable. The variable under investigation is the manifestation of political sentiments towards the United States. This study employed the US Education Foundation, an organization with an established affiliation to the United States, tasked with advocating for the interests of the US government and delivering educational and cultural services globally, as a proxy measure to assess an individual's inclination towards the United States based on their acceptance or rejection of funding from this entity. The term "Acceptance" refers to a rating that is considered highly acceptable and is assigned a numerical value of 0. Conversely, the term "Rejection" denotes a rating that is seen to be less favorable and is assigned a numerical value of 1. Participants were provided with information on the affiliation of the organization as the source of financing for the survey. They were then presented with a choice between two statements and instructed to select one, which would determine their corresponding payment. Statement 1 expressed gratitude towards Teach For America for their generosity and indicated acceptance of the cash. Statement 2, on the other hand, conveyed a refusal to accept the payment from Teach For America based on personal beliefs or stance. The selection of a statement from the participant's viewpoint plays a crucial role in determining their eligibility for the correct payment, therefore reflecting a distinct political stance towards the United States.
3.1.3. Independent Variables
The focus of this study is on the independent factors. The study examined several independent factors, including personal ideological position, personal interest, social context, familiarity, and reported feelings of others towards America. The group controlled the independent variables of personal interest and social context among the given options. The primary independent factors in this study were the individual's personal ideological attitude, personal interests with both high and low rewards, and the social environment including both public and private spheres. The experiment involved manipulating two independent variables: personal interest (high and low reward) and social environment (public and private). This resulted in the division of subjects into distinct groups, including the high reward public environment group, high reward private environment group, low reward public social environment group, and low reward private environment group.
Individual Ideological Position. Ideology may be defined as a comprehensive framework of beliefs pertaining to the structure and attainment of a societal arrangement. This pertains to the fundamental principles and goals that underpin human political existence, and many particular political perspectives are frequently shaped by it. The positioning of individual ideological perspectives can be more effectively represented on a continuum ranging from left to right. This study examines the indicators developed by scholars in the academic community and formulates matching inquiries to assess ideological positions.
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The ideological position questionnaire comprises a total of thirteen items, which are further divided into three distinct groups. The initial group, referred to as the political category, encompasses inquiries pertaining to the structure of the state and the protection of individual rights. The second category, referred to as the economic and social group, centers its attention on the primacy and prevalence of governmental involvement in addressing economic issues. It seeks to ascertain if the prevailing challenges within the Chinese economy can be attributed to an overabundance of government engagement in the market. The third category, referred to as nationalism, encompasses a series of inquiries aimed at assessing individuals' personal opinions towards the West and the Taiwan problem. Participants were instructed to provide their rating of agreement on a scale ranging from "1" to "5" for each question. The score of 5 represents complete agreement, whereas the score of 1 signifies complete disagreement. As the score increases, its position shifts towards the left, but as the score decreases, its position shifts towards the right. The ideological components have been presented in
Table 1, whereby the following questions have been reformulated: "Should human rights take precedence over national sovereignty?", "Is it preferable for land to be privately owned rather than owned by the state or collective?", and "To what extent should government intervention in the market be minimized?"The three inquiries were reoriented.
Table 1. Ideological positions.
Measurement indicators | Title items |
Politics | a. Human rights take precedence over sovereignty. b. There are no so-called "universal values" such as freedom, democracy and human rights in the world. c. Electoral democracy is in fact a fake democracy, and therefore China cannot have electoral democracy. d. A country with too many political parties and groups can cause confusion. e. Democracies are not as good as single-party states in terms of delaying opportunities for development by arguing every day. f. Prior censorship by the government of news broadcast on television, newspapers and other media is necessary. |
Economic and social | a. Land titles should be owned by individuals, not by the state or the collective. b. If you are patriotic, you must boycott Japanese and Korean goods. c. The less government intervention in the market, the better. d. State-owned enterprises must have full control over areas of national security and other important national livelihoods. e. Individual interests should give way to the interests of society in decisions about major projects |
Nationalism | a. Taiwan should be reunified by force if conditions permit. b. The Western countries, led by the United States, could not really allow China to rise to become a world class power. |
Individual profitability. In order to conduct the experiment, this study employed a group-based approach to examine participants, whereby a high-pay group and a low-pay group were established. To examine the potential influence of personal profitability on the manifestation of personal views towards American politics. In the present study, participants assigned to the high reward condition received a monetary incentive of RMB 100, whereas those assigned to the low reward condition received a monetary incentive of RMB 10. The subjects belonging to the high reward group were designated a numerical value of 1, while those belonging to the low reward group were designated a numerical value of 0.
Social environment. The social environment refers to the collective interactions, relationships, and cultural dynamics that shape individuals' behavior and experiences within a certain society or This study aims to investigate the potential influence of the social environment on the manifestation of personal ideology. To achieve this objective, the experiment will establish two distinct groups: a public environment group and a private environment group. Subjects inside the public environment will be designated with a numerical value of 1, while subjects within the private environment group will be designated with a numerical value of 0.
Participants in the public group were involved in the indoor (offline) survey, whereas those in the private group were engaged in the online survey. Participants in the public cohort were informed that in the event of opting to get compensation, they would be required to submit their completed questionnaires to the research personnel. Furthermore, their decision to take money would be discernible to fellow participants partaking in the indoor (offline) survey alongside them. In contrast, the visibility of participants' "acceptance of payment" was not apparent to others in the online survey. In the research design, efforts were made to control for extraneous effects and focus solely on the personal motivational drivers of political expression. Additionally, steps were taken to reduce the potential impact of other variables on the acceptance or rejection of payoffs. Under the 'private' condition, the elimination of social incentives effectively reduces the likelihood of rejecting the reward. Through a comparative analysis of the 'private' and 'public' contexts, discernible alterations in the societal perceptibility of an individual's choice to decline or embrace a reward may be observed.
Familiarity. This study examined the extent to which individuals were geographically close to their actual social context, as indicated by the level of familiarity among the respondents. Consequently, those who took part in the survey conducted in person were requested to provide information on the number of acquaintances who also participated in the survey within their vicinity, specifically referring to the number of others known to the subject present in the same room.
Examining the perceptions of individuals about the United States. In the present investigation, participants engaged in an offline experimental setting were requested to provide estimations regarding the proportion of individuals who collectively had a negative perception of the United States, as shown by their responses in the survey. The participants provided responses on a scale ranging from 0% to 100%, with increments of 10%.
3.2. Execution of the Study
The study on ideological expression was done using both online and offline platforms, including a total of 240 participants who were randomly allocated to groups after receiving detailed information about the necessary safeguards. A total of 240 subjects were involved in the study, divided into four groups. Each group consisted of 60 subjects, with half assigned to the high-reward public social environment group and the other half assigned to the low-reward public social environment group. The offline field experiment involved 120 subjects, while the online web experiment involved another 120 subjects. In the online web experiment, half of the subjects were assigned to the high-reward public private environment group, and The study comprised of four distinct questionnaires: 1. an ideological stance questionnaire; 2. a demographic characteristics questionnaire; 3. a questionnaire assessing familiarity and perceived emotions of individuals towards America; and 4. a questionnaire designed to determine participants' inclination to express gratitude towards the sponsoring organization. To ensure rigorous control over the experimental procedure, participants were required to complete each questionnaire sequentially. Moreover, participants were not allowed to make any modifications to previously completed questionnaires, as they progressed to subsequent sessions. Initially, participants were administered a questionnaire to assess their individual ideological orientation. Additionally, participants are required to complete a concise demographic profile question. Once more, the individuals involved in the offline experiment are tasked with completing a familiarity questionnaire. This questionnaire requires them to provide information regarding the amount of individuals they are acquainted with in the laboratory setting, as well as make estimations regarding the quantity of participants who have a negative perception of the United States. Participants in the online experiment were not required to perform this task. Ultimately, the survey about the decision to express gratitude towards the sponsoring entity was marked. Participants were informed that remuneration would be provided for their involvement in the survey, contingent upon their expression of gratitude towards the sponsoring institution by checking the designated box. The questionnaire contains specific information, which may vary depending on the experimental settings.
We appreciate your participation in the survey. As an expression of gratitude for your participation in the survey, we are pleased to extend a gift to you. The incentive is provided by the American Education Foundation. The Foundation possesses a formal affiliation with the United States and serves as a representative body for the interests of the U.S. government. Additionally, it carries out educational and cultural initiatives on a global scale. The Foundation offers a compensation of 10% of the total survey completion fee. However, to get this payment, it is necessary to formally declare the receipt of funds from the American Education Foundation and express gratitude towards the funding entity. Nevertheless, in the event of non-acceptance, the payment of either $10 or $100 will be relinquished. Please select one of the following choices. Please select one of the following options.
1) I express my sincere gratitude to the American Education Foundation for their kind contribution, and I humbly accept the bestowed medal.
2) Due to personal considerations, I have made the decision to decline the incentive.
4. Empirical Analysis
Drawing upon a comprehensive evaluation of relevant literature and established theoretical frameworks, the present study undertakes an analysis of the primary results derived from the examination of participants' ideological expression decisions within the research design. Initially, the present study provides a comprehensive description of the demographic characteristics of the sample population. Subsequently, a rigorous analysis is conducted to examine the underlying intrinsic reasons that drive individuals to communicate their ideological beliefs. Additionally, this study examines the impact of personal interests on the manifestation of ideological beliefs, with a specific focus on the role of economic interests in moderating the association between personal ideological expression and political opinions. Additionally, we examine the influence of the social environment on the manifestation of ideological beliefs and investigate how the social environment might moderate the association between the display of personal ideological positions and political views.
Table 2 displays the fundamental attributes of the participants, encompassing gender, family economic income, distribution intervals of political affiliation, and ideological viewpoint.
Table 2. Sample basic eigenvalues.
Classification | Number of people | Percentage (%) |
Gender | Male | 116 | 48.3 |
Female | 124 | 51.7 |
Political affiliation | Party members | 34 | 14.2 |
Non-party members | 206 | 85.8 |
Family financial situation | Minimum 25% | 26 | 10.8 |
Between 25% and 50% | 96 | 40 |
Between 50% and 75% | 88 | 36.7 |
Up to 25% | 30 | 12.5 |
Ideological stance | Right (score 1.0 to 2.5) | 16 | 6.7 |
Medium (score 2.6 to 3.5) | 120 | 50 |
Left (score 3.6 to 5.0) | 104 | 43.3 |
4.1. The Manifestation of Individual Awareness and Political Beliefs
This research paper aims to examine the variable of personal ideological stance in order to determine the distribution of ideological stances among the participants of the study. The objective is to contribute a theoretical perspective to the current body of literature. According to the survey, the average personal ideological attitude was determined to be 3.5, with a standard deviation of 0.69. The highest recorded value was 4.9, while the lowest recorded value was 2. The personal ideological stance exhibited a departure from the normal distribution (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test p=0.00<0.05). In general, the majority of individuals held a left-leaning ideological stance (n=104), followed by a neutral ideological stance (n=120), while a smaller proportion held a right-leaning ideological stance (n=16). ideological stances exhibited a higher favourable opinion of the US. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test (Z=2.598, p=0.009<0.05) indicate that there are statistically significant variations in political attitudes towards the US among individuals with distinct ideological stances. Specifically, individuals with higher ideological stance scores and left-leaning ideological stances tend to hold a less favourable opinion of the US. Conversely, individuals with lower ideological stance scores and those with neutral and right-leaning ideological stances tend to have a more positive view of the US. Individuals with neutral and right-leaning ideological attitudes tend to exhibit better favorability scores when their ideological stance score decreases. According to
Figure 2, those who hold a low favourable view of the US have a mean ideological attitude of 3.7, whereas individuals with a high favourable opinion of the US have a mean ideological stance of 3.3.Therefore, research Hypothesis 1“The ideological viewpoints of individuals have an impact on how they articulate their political attitudes. persons who have a left-leaning ideological stance tend to exhibit a diminished level of favorability towards the United States, whereas persons who align with a right-leaning ideological perspective tend to demonstrate a heightened level of favorability towards the United States.”proves to be true.
Figure 2. Ideological stance and political attitudes towards the US.
Figure 3. Rejection and acceptance of high pay versus low pay for all subjects.
Figure 4. Refusal and acceptance of high versus low pay for subjects in the private setting group.
Through a comparative analysis of the rejection rates associated with varying levels of remuneration provided by Teach For America, a notable disparity in rejection rates emerged between the group receiving RMB 10 in compensation, which exhibited a rejection rate of 48%, and the group receiving RMB 100 in compensation, which shown a rejection rate of 12%. Within the confines of the exclusive cohort, the rate of refusal shown a decrease of 10% in the condition characterized by a higher remuneration, as compared to the condition marked by a lower remuneration. Hence, it can be observed that personal interest had a role in shaping the manifestation of ideology. This is supported by the findings of the experiment, which revealed that the rate of refusal exhibited variability in response to financial incentives. Specifically, there was a noteworthy decline in the number of refusals from participants associated with Teach For America when the level of pay was augmented.
The present study investigated the potential moderating influence of personal interest factors on ideological expression. Logistic regression models were employed, incorporating interaction terms to examine this relationship. The results of the analysis are presented in
Table 3. Model 1 serves as the baseline model, while Model 2 includes control variables in addition to those in Model 1. Model 3 further incorporates interaction terms for ideological stance and economic interest. The subsequent findings of the study are as follows.
The findings of Models 1 and 2 indicate that an individual's ideological stance has a significant impact on their political opinions towards the United States. The political attitudes towards the United States were not influenced by people' gender or party affiliation. However, persons belonging to lower income families exhibited a stronger tendency to express less favorable views towards the United States compared to individuals from higher income households. In Model 3, an interaction term is included between an individual's personal ideological stance and their economic interests. This addition aims to investigate how personal interests moderate the relationship between ideological stance and the expression of political opinions. The model's goodness of fit, that of 37.145, as measured by the Waldecka-squared value, is statistically significant at the 1% level. Additionally, the inclusion of the interaction term in the model results in an increase in the R-squared value from 0.167 to 0.388. This indicates that the explanatory power of the model is enhanced by the inclusion of the interaction term. The interaction term coefficient between personal interest and ideological position is -10.800, indicating statistical significance at the 1% level. The aforementioned findings indicate that the correlation between ideological orientation and the articulation of political beliefs is impacted by individual economic motivations. The presence of economic interests has been found to diminish the association between ideological stance and the manifestation of political attitudes. Specifically, individuals who hold left-leaning ideological stances, motivated by economic considerations, might opt to receive benefits in the form of exhibiting strong favorability towards the United States.Therefore, research Hypothesis 2“The correlation between individual ideological stances and the manifestation of political attitudes is subject to the moderating influence of personal proficiency. Maintaining a leftist perspective. Individuals who have a certain ideological perspective exhibit a notable degree of positive sentiment towards the United States, which can be attributed to their personal interests”is proved.
Table 3. Regression results for expressions of political attitudes.
Variables | Model 1 | Model 2 | Model 3 | Model 4 |
Ideological stance | 0.733** (3.375) | 0.863** (3.515) | 10.957** (3.641) | 3.450** (4.494) |
Gender (male) | | -0.500 (-1.569) | -0.984** (-2.581) | -0.691 (-1.884) |
Political affiliation (non-party member) | | -0.784 (-1.798) | -0.030 (-0.053) | -0.816 (-1.548) |
Household income | <25% | | 2.122** (3.317) | 0.797 (0.567) | 2.157** (3.056) |
25% to 50% | | 1.510** (2.816) | -0.095 (-0.071) | 1.852** (3.062) |
50%~75% | | 0.075 (0.135) | -0.559 (-0.421) | 0.214 (0.351) |
Social environment * Ideological stance | | | | 13.012** (3.897) |
Economic benefits | | | | -2.834** (-3.438) |
Economic interests * Ideological stance | | | -46.620** (-3.671) | |
intercept distance | | | -10.800** (-3.560) | |
Number of samples | -3.428** (-4.332) | -3.957** (-3.590) | -0.056 (-0.032) | -15.410** (-4.704) |
R-side | 240 | 240 | 240 | 240 |
4.2. The Moderating Influence of the Social Environment on the Manifestation of Ideological Expression
The experiment was carried out in two distinct settings: a public setting and a private setting. In the public setting, the subject's decision to accept the reward was witnessed by other participants, but in the private setting, this observation did not occur.
Figure 5 illustrates the disparity in the frequency of rejections of remuneration provided by Teach For America across the public and private contexts. The proportion of participants who rejected the offer was 30% more in the public environment compared to the private setting. With the exception of the influence of significant financial incentives, the percentage of individuals who refused compensation in the public context was 57% more than in the private context within the low salary category.
The present study investigates the possible moderating impact of socio-environmental variables on ideological expression using logistic regression models that incorporate interaction terms. Specifically, Model 4 introduces an interaction term for ideological attitude and social context. The investigation reveals the following results.
In Model 4, an interaction term is introduced between personal ideological stance and social environment, building upon the framework established in Model 2. This addition allows for an examination of the moderating influence of social environment on the relationship between personal ideological stance and the expression of political opinions. The model's goodness of fit is assessed using the Waldecka-squared value, which is calculated to be 36.183. This value is found to be statistically significant at the 1% level. Additionally, the R-squared, which measures the explanatory power of the model, increases from 0.049 to 0.329 when the interaction term is included. This suggests that the inclusion of the interaction term enhances the model's ability to explain the observed data. The interaction term between social environment and ideological attitude had a significant coefficient of -2.834, reaching a threshold of significance of 1%. Therefore, it may be argued that the social context serves as a moderating factor in the relationship between an individual's own ideological stance and their presentation of political opinions. The impact of an individual's intellectual position on the manifestation of their political beliefs is attenuated inside the public sphere. Due to concerns of potential anti-American sentiment in the explicit social context, participants who held right-leaning ideological beliefs who took part in the offline experiment altered their manifestation of political sentiments and opted to decline the monetary reward, indicating a diminished level of support for the United States.
Figure 5. Rejection and acceptance of pay in public versus private settings for all subjects.
Figure 6. Pay refusal and acceptance in public versus private settings for subjects in the low pay group.
In the offline group, we conducted a more in-depth analysis of the influence of personal familiarity and personal perceived social sentiment on the manifestation of individuals' political attitudes. The findings revealed that a significant majority (over 90%) of the participants reported being acquainted with at least one person in the group. This suggests that despite the experimental nature of the study's environment, genuine social connections existed among both unfamiliar and familiar individuals present in the room. Based on the findings of Model 5, there exists a correlation between the public context and individuals' manifestation of political views, which is contingent upon their level of acquaintance with others. Specifically, those who possess a higher degree of familiarity with a bigger number of others are more inclined to exhibit a tendency to reject monetary incentives and show diminished levels of favorability towards the United States. Simultaneously, individuals' personal perceptions of social sentiment exerted an influence on their articulation of political attitudes. Specifically, individuals who held the belief that the prevailing opinion among their peers was unfavorable towards the United States were more inclined to alter their expressions, decline incentives, and consequently adopt the same political attitudes as their social environment. Thus, the Hypothesis 3 “The association between an individual's ideological orientation and the manifestation of political views is contingent upon the moderating impact exerted by the social context. Individuals who adhere to a specific ideological position demonstrate a diminished level of positive sentiment towards the United States when influenced by the social context”is also confirmed.
Table 4. Regression results for expressions of political attitudes in the public group.
Variables | Model 5 |
Ideological stance | 2.035** (3.028) |
Gender (male) | -0.250 (-0.408) |
Political affiliation (non-party member) | -0.750 (-0.698) |
Household income | <25% | 1.017 (0.886) |
25% to 50% | 0.663 (0.606) |
50%~75% | -0.563 (-0.505) |
Familiarity | 0.724** (4.447) |
Judgement on the expression of others' political attitudes | 0.492* (1.972) |
Intercept distance | -12.613** (-3.751) |
Number of samples | 120 |
R-side | 0.499 |
5. Conclusion and Discussion
The results indicate that a notable number of the participants shown a willingness to forgo receiving incentives as a means of expressing their ideological opposition towards the United States. The manifestation of this behavior inside a private context implies that individuals possess an inherent inclination to exhibit a predilection for anti-American ideology. Nevertheless, the inclination towards certain expressions is subject to the impact of individual profit motives within certain social groupings, and ideological manifestations may undergo alterations in accordance with economic interests. Simultaneously, the sociocultural context has a significant role in shaping the manifestation of ideological beliefs. When individuals anticipate that their ideological expressions will be observed by others, they are more likely to align themselves with the prevailing sentiment. Therefore, it is crucial to consider that individuals will evaluate whether their own views and beliefs align with those of their social environment. If an individual recognizes that they belong to a minority and suppresses their discontent with the majority due to a desire to conform to or perceive acceptance from others, they will alter their ideological expression. This phenomenon is especially evident within the context of social interactions among individuals who are not closely acquainted. In summary, the correlation between an individual's manifestation of political views and their ideological position is subject to the effect of moderating variables. The manifestation of an individual's ideological expression is not only determined by their ideological viewpoint, but rather influenced by a combination of personal interests and external societal conditions, as observed through the lens of instrumental rationality.
Some Chinese youth express their opposition to U.S. politics for reasons that are intrinsic to their motivations. These include identification with national interests, pursuit of international justice, or dissatisfaction with particular U.S. policies. This kind of expression frequently extends beyond the straightforward consideration of economic interests, reflecting the independent thinking and value orientation of the youth group regarding international affairs.
Nevertheless, it is evident that economic interests also exert a considerable influence on the attitudes of Chinese youth towards the United States. In the context of globalization, China and the United States have developed close economic ties, with numerous Chinese youth being intricately connected to the U.S. in terms of educational opportunities, employment, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Consequently, when articulating their stances on U.S. politics, they may consider the alignment of their interests with those of the nation and their adherence to particular ideologies. This trade-off may, to a certain extent, contribute to the complexity and subtlety of the ideological expression of some youth.
In an acquaintance society or a specific community, to maintain consistency between their views and those of their immediate social milieu and to avoid social exclusion, some youths may modify their ideological expression to align with the prevailing attitudes of the majority.
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To a certain extent, this phenomenon may diminish the independence and criticality of youth groups in expressing their political attitudes. The social environment, particularly the advent of social media and the concomitant rise of online public opinion, renders the youth group more susceptible to the sway of prevailing sentiments and social opinion.
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In this context, conducting a comprehensive examination of the many elements influencing ideological expression at has significant theoretical implications for ongoing ideological study in China. The "spiral of silence theory" elucidates individuals' inclination to either express their opinions or withhold them based on the prevailing public opinion climate. This phenomenon is particularly salient in Chinese society, which exhibits a more collectivist orientation, wherein individuals prioritize group objectives and social cohesion over personal aspirations, thereby conforming to established group norms.
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Individuals have a tendency to refrain from disclosing their genuine ideological position due to the impact of the social context. One factor contributing to this phenomenon might be attributed to the behavioral expectations imposed by the government onto its citizenry. The government aims to avoid establishing a separate court of public opinion that deviates from the official one, in order to exert control over individuals' conduct through its prevailing ideology. Consequently, individuals tend to align themselves with mainstream political feeling to a significant extent during social encounters. Another important factor to consider is the prevention of social isolation. Managing political connections poses significant challenges within the realm of social dynamics. Due of the potential for inducing anxiety and jeopardizing interpersonal connections, individuals may opt for silence, particularly inside social networks comprising significant personal ties.
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In order to prevent friction or disagreement within their tight social circles, individuals may consciously refrain from engaging in discussions pertaining to ideology or altering their display of ideological beliefs.
The ramifications of the findings presented in this research have significant importance in elucidating the ideological policies of the Chinese government. The Chinese government has long maintained a commitment to exerting influence over ideology through its control of public opinion and propaganda. This approach aims to secure the leadership, management, and discourse surrounding official ideology, thereby fostering public support for the government's directives, principles, and policies. The findings of the empirical investigation indicated that the sample had a left-leaning ideological orientation. Additionally, a subset of participants demonstrated anti-American political beliefs within the framework of the current strained Sino-American ties. The left-leaning perspective, which aligns more closely with government-led ideology, suggests that the government's ideological programs demonstrate a certain degree of effectiveness. Nevertheless, it is worth considering whether individuals have adhered to the government's prescribed ideological education standards and subsequently manifested them in their behavior.
Variations in the political beliefs and behaviors of people, prompted by societal pressures, might manifest across several levels. Variations in the characteristics or magnitude of change are associated with variations in the manner in which individuals are impacted by social propaganda and education. In essence, the observable manifestation of political views in persons impacted by external factors remains relatively stable. However, the underlying cognitive processes involved in the receipt of these influences may be differentiated into three categories: obedience, identification, and internalization.
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The initial phase is characterized by the display of obedience. When an individual acquiesces to influence in order to elicit a favorable reaction from the collective, his conduct might be categorized as obedience. The individual first embraces propaganda teaching and direction not out of genuine conviction, but rather with the expectation of attaining certain rewards or recognition, and to evade potential consequences by adhering to them. The happiness derived from complying to obedience is a result of the social consequences associated with receiving influence. The subsequent phase progresses towards the process of identification. When an individual seeks influence in order to develop or sustain a positive connection with a group, it suggests that the individual aligns with the outcomes of educational propaganda and advice. The individual has a belief in the substance of the advice, which is somewhat tailored to their personal expectations. However, this belief has not yet been fully incorporated into their overall system of attitudes. The gratification obtained by identification aligns with the individual's self-interest. The third step involves the process of internalization. Internalization may be defined as the process by which an individual completely embraces the effect of educational advice, as the substance of such guidance fundamentally shapes the individual's beliefs and behaviors, ultimately leading to their overall benefit. The individual assimilates the knowledge and advice provided by education, and then aligns their behavior in accordance with their own values. This congruence leads to a sense of fulfillment. The process of internalization marks a significant shift in an individual's development, wherein attitudes undergo a qualitative transformation and become firmly established, rendering them resistant to easy modification.
These three processes exemplify several forms of educational counseling influence, with power being seen as a means by which educators might attain their subjective objectives through communication.
Divergent perceptions of power among audiences reflect varying attitudes. When power is employed for control, individuals tend to embrace the ideological manifestation of obedience. Conversely, when power is utilized to attract, individuals tend to adopt the ideological expression of identification. Lastly, when power is employed to establish credibility, individuals tend to adopt the ideological expression of internalization. Hence, it is imperative to examine the impact of power on obedience, identification, and internalization within the realm of propaganda, education, and ideological guidance. This necessitates a comprehensive analysis of power dynamics across many stages and the categorization of policies. In order to properly identify individuals who express their particular ideological stance, the propaganda department should adhere to three key procedures. These processes aim to facilitate the guidance of mainstream ideology and ensure the successful implementation of ideological propaganda and education. One perspective is the identification and guidance of individuals who conform to authority. To mitigate the risk of social ostracization or potential legal repercussions for espousing dissenting ideological perspectives, individuals within this cohort may opt to conform to prevailing societal standards and espouse mainstream intellectual beliefs, but with a sense of reluctance.
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Conversely, this particular group engages in the process of consolidating and expanding its collective identity. This particular cohort has a higher propensity to align themselves with the ideals and prevailing ideology propagated by the department responsible for disseminating propaganda. The act of embracing these ideals and adopting the prevailing ideological position fulfills the need for individuals to align with their core beliefs, while also fostering a stable connection between the government and its citizens. Effective consolidation is vital in enhancing the efficacy of ideological propaganda and decision-making in education. It also serves a crucial function in analyzing the prevailing public opinion climate and the underlying motivations behind specific ideological stances. The outcome of widespread ideological indoctrination and education is the cultivation of a populace that internalizes and embraces popular ideology, hence embracing and conforming to mainstream ideals.
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[36]
These groups perceive the mainstream ideology as being in complete alignment and harmonization with their own value system, with the potential to optimize the realization of their own ideals. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential for shifts in the ideological orientation of persons who possess optimistic dispositions. In this context, through the evaluation of different groups exhibiting 'positive attitudes' and the anticipation of the outcomes associated with these attitudes, the propaganda department can effectively discern potential shifts in ideological stances, monitor individuals' responses to specific occurrences, and enhance the implementation of ideological propaganda and educational initiatives.
In summary, the present state of ideological education places greater emphasis on influencing the broader societal context rather than on the deliberate selection of specific tools by individuals at the individual level. When considering the implementation of ideological policies in the future, it is crucial for the government to thoroughly acknowledge the intricate nature of individual ideological expressions and their stances. The government should make efforts to strike a harmonious balance between individuals' inherent motivations, personal interest preferences, and the external social environment. It is imperative to adhere to the educational approach of "externalisation in action" while recognizing the practicality of "carrying private goods". By doing so, the government can effectively achieve both environmental shaping and interest motivation to provide guidance to individuals. Additionally, this endeavor aims to achieve equilibrium by considering the internal drive and personal interest preferences of individuals, while also taking into account the external social environment.
Abbreviations
The U.S. | The United States |
Sino-American | China-United States of America |
Acknowledgments
This research was substantially supported by grants from the Sichuan Science and Technology Program (Grant No. 2022YFS0539).
Author Contributions
Yaqin Weng is the sole author. The author read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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APA Style
Weng, Y. (2024). Examining the Alignment of Ideological Expression with Behavior or Deception: An Experimental Investigation of Chinese Youth's Political Attitudes Towards America. Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(5), 125-141. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20241205.14
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Weng, Y. Examining the Alignment of Ideological Expression with Behavior or Deception: An Experimental Investigation of Chinese Youth's Political Attitudes Towards America. Humanit. Soc. Sci. 2024, 12(5), 125-141. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20241205.14
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Weng Y. Examining the Alignment of Ideological Expression with Behavior or Deception: An Experimental Investigation of Chinese Youth's Political Attitudes Towards America. Humanit Soc Sci. 2024;12(5):125-141. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20241205.14
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@article{10.11648/j.hss.20241205.14,
author = {Yaqin Weng},
title = {Examining the Alignment of Ideological Expression with Behavior or Deception: An Experimental Investigation of Chinese Youth's Political Attitudes Towards America
},
journal = {Humanities and Social Sciences},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {125-141},
doi = {10.11648/j.hss.20241205.14},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20241205.14},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hss.20241205.14},
abstract = {Background In the context of globalization, as one of the most significant bilateral relations in the world, the dynamics of China-US relations exert a considerable influence on the world. Simultaneously, the accelerated advancement of Internet technology has provided a more expansive array of avenues for acquiring information. Through Social media, news websites, and international forums, Chinese youth groups demonstrate a heightened interest in global affairs. However, the divergence between disparate cultural and political systems has resulted in Chinese youth developing nuanced and multifaceted political dispositions when engaging with the United States and other Western nations. It is therefore imperative to study the political attitudes of Chinese youth, particularly to the United States. Objectives The concept of political attitude expression refers to the external manifestation of an individual's ideological position's usefulness. However, there is a lack of empirical research examining the alignment between an individual's inner motivation and their expression of political attitudes. Based on the aforementioned information, an experimental study was devised and executed with the aim of discerning political attitudes. The study focused on individuals' external expressions of political attitudes and their intrinsic motivations, specifically in relation to the United States. The objective was to examine whether specific factors could potentially influence the external manifestation of individuals' internal ideologies. Main ideas Various factors contribute to the expression of individual ideologies. The ideologies expressed by individuals do not solely reflect their ideological beliefs, but rather arise from a complex interplay of moderating factors influenced by individual rationality regarding economic costs and social circumstances. Conclusions (1) The political attitudes of Chinese youth toward the United States in general demonstrate a left-leaning trend, with low favorability toward the U.S. (2) Economic interests exert an influence on ideological expression, and individuals holding a left-leaning ideological position may elect to accept financial incentives and formally demonstrate high favorability toward the U.S., driven by economic interests. (3) Transformations in the social milieu may precipitate a phenomenon whereby individuals are inclined to "follow the crowd," concealing their authentic political dispositions and eschewing genuine political expression.
},
year = {2024}
}
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Examining the Alignment of Ideological Expression with Behavior or Deception: An Experimental Investigation of Chinese Youth's Political Attitudes Towards America
AU - Yaqin Weng
Y1 - 2024/09/11
PY - 2024
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20241205.14
DO - 10.11648/j.hss.20241205.14
T2 - Humanities and Social Sciences
JF - Humanities and Social Sciences
JO - Humanities and Social Sciences
SP - 125
EP - 141
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2330-8184
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20241205.14
AB - Background In the context of globalization, as one of the most significant bilateral relations in the world, the dynamics of China-US relations exert a considerable influence on the world. Simultaneously, the accelerated advancement of Internet technology has provided a more expansive array of avenues for acquiring information. Through Social media, news websites, and international forums, Chinese youth groups demonstrate a heightened interest in global affairs. However, the divergence between disparate cultural and political systems has resulted in Chinese youth developing nuanced and multifaceted political dispositions when engaging with the United States and other Western nations. It is therefore imperative to study the political attitudes of Chinese youth, particularly to the United States. Objectives The concept of political attitude expression refers to the external manifestation of an individual's ideological position's usefulness. However, there is a lack of empirical research examining the alignment between an individual's inner motivation and their expression of political attitudes. Based on the aforementioned information, an experimental study was devised and executed with the aim of discerning political attitudes. The study focused on individuals' external expressions of political attitudes and their intrinsic motivations, specifically in relation to the United States. The objective was to examine whether specific factors could potentially influence the external manifestation of individuals' internal ideologies. Main ideas Various factors contribute to the expression of individual ideologies. The ideologies expressed by individuals do not solely reflect their ideological beliefs, but rather arise from a complex interplay of moderating factors influenced by individual rationality regarding economic costs and social circumstances. Conclusions (1) The political attitudes of Chinese youth toward the United States in general demonstrate a left-leaning trend, with low favorability toward the U.S. (2) Economic interests exert an influence on ideological expression, and individuals holding a left-leaning ideological position may elect to accept financial incentives and formally demonstrate high favorability toward the U.S., driven by economic interests. (3) Transformations in the social milieu may precipitate a phenomenon whereby individuals are inclined to "follow the crowd," concealing their authentic political dispositions and eschewing genuine political expression.
VL - 12
IS - 5
ER -
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