Citation

Foster HS. Am. J. Sociol. 1935; 40(4): 464-475.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1935, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/216821

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The process by which a modern state passes from neutrality to belligerency is illustrated in the case of the United States during the World War and as reflected in the press. In the five stages of neutrality attention is increasingly in the direction of war. News originating with the neutral nation undergoes a great increase in volume. It is always favorable to the nation supplying the greater amount of news. The focus of attention narrows to news concerning one of the belligerents and its relations to the neutral self. The national government as the collective symbol becomes the object of concern, with corresponding disregard of consequences for individuals. Items carrying appeals capable of affecting reader attitudes increase. These tendentious items are motivated by the usual idealism, and by appeals of specific application to the injured self. In this respect the malignant crisis is distinguished from the benignant. The latter is marked by conciliatory items which are unable to overcome the inertia of peace. Definitely belligerent items supplant conciliatory items in the malignant crisis.