Resumen de Parliament and public opinion in Max Weber's analysis

Cristiana Senigaglia

• Public opinion was converted into a mass phenomenon concerning an extended public, through the process of democratization that occurred at the end of the nineteenth century. This transformation aroused the interest of social and political scientists: Ferdinand Tönnies, Hermann Oncken, and James Bryce, who highlighted relevant aspects relating to public opinion, the process of its formation, and its social and political meaning. By taking inspiration from these studies, Max Weber stressed the role played by the press in shaping public opinion. He also recognized that public opinion constituted an influential factor in political life, which nevertheless needed politico-institutional mediation reducing its emotional components. From this perspective, Parliament was the most appropriate institution to provide this mediation, since it provided a work of synthesis and elaboration of the different issues circulating in the public sphere. Additionally, the activity of Parliament could also contribute in a relevant way to forming an educated public capable of judging in a reflective and responsible manner, by demonstrating its expertise and efficiency through substantial work and factual decision-making.