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Contacting a public official: Concept and measurement in cross‐national surveys, 1960s–2010s

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  • Joshua K. Dubrow
  • Irina Tomescu‐Dubrow
  • Olga Lavrinenko

Abstract

Background In the digital age, contacting a public official is a direct, low‐cost means of influence, but most cross‐national surveys ignore it. Objective We go in‐depth on “contact” to define it, present how it has appeared in major cross‐national surveys since the 1960s, and how survey respondents might understand it today. We then explore its popularity and determinants in Europe across time. Methods We use the Survey Data Recycling project's Cotton File and the European Social Survey (ESS) 2002 and 2018. Results Of nine major international survey projects that have this item, only ESS regularly includes it. Across Europe, the popularity of contact did not change much, and the factors that associate with generalized contact in 2002 are the same as in 2018. Conclusion Data producers should test the meaning of contact among respondents and differentiate between generalized and particularized forms.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua K. Dubrow & Irina Tomescu‐Dubrow & Olga Lavrinenko, 2022. "Contacting a public official: Concept and measurement in cross‐national surveys, 1960s–2010s," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 103(4), pages 810-819, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:103:y:2022:i:4:p:810-819
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13177
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sharp, Elaine B., 1982. "Citizen-Initiated Contacting of Government Officials and Socioeconomic Status: Determining the Relationship and Accounting for It," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 76(1), pages 109-115, March.
    2. Sara Cavallo & Joann Lynch & Peter Scull, 2014. "The Digital Divide in Citizen-Initiated Government Contacts: A GIS Approach," Journal of Urban Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(4), pages 77-93, October.
    3. Jones, Bryan D. & Greenberg, Saadia R. & Kaufman, Clifford & Drew, Joseph, 1977. "Bureaucratic Response to Citizen-Initiated Contacts: Environmental Enforcement in Detroit," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 71(1), pages 148-165, March.
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