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Self-Censorship: The Conceptual Framework

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Self-Censorship in Contexts of Conflict

Part of the book series: Peace Psychology Book Series ((PPBS))

Abstract

Self-censorship is defined as the act of intentionally and voluntarily suppressing information from others when formal impediments are absent. Self-censorship hinders the proper functioning of a democratic society because it inhibits free access to information, freedom of expression, and the flow of information. The role of self-censorship in societies is of vital importance as it blocks information that may illuminate various societal issues. Nevertheless, it is assumed that in some cases self-censorship is necessary. The present chapter proposes an inclusive conceptual framework for self-censorship and investigates it from various angles, employing empirical examples. It presents the character and psychological bases of self-censorship, the motivations that determine it, the circumstances that promote its practice, its societal and individual results, and finally the challenges involved in its measurement.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    I do not intend to claim a positivistic argument, understanding that information also has a subjective perspective of focus. But at least it is always based on the solid ground of factual knowledge.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

    Daniel Bar-Tal

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  1. Daniel Bar-Tal
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Correspondence to Daniel Bar-Tal .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Daniel Bar-Tal

  2. International Summer Program in Conflict Resolution, Bar Ilan University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Rafi Nets-Zehngut

  3. Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

    Keren Sharvit

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Bar-Tal, D. (2017). Self-Censorship: The Conceptual Framework. In: Bar-Tal, D., Nets-Zehngut, R., Sharvit, K. (eds) Self-Censorship in Contexts of Conflict. Peace Psychology Book Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63378-7_1

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