Putting Out Fire with Gasoline in Tahrir Square: Revisiting the Gamson Hypothesis

Authors

  • Bahaa Gameel The University of Texas at Austin
  • Shuning Lu The University of Texas at Austin
  • Hyeri Jung The University of Texas at Austin
  • Thomas J. Johnson The University of Texas at Austin

Keywords:

Gamson hypothesis, Gamson typology, Egypt, political behavior, media use

Abstract

This study situates the Gamson hypothesis in the non-Western country of Egypt with an attempt to explore the relationship between the Gamson typology and political behavior in a country that has traditionally been under an authoritarian regime. Furthermore, this study suggests that additional factors might play important roles in the traditional relationship; it examines a possible link among media use, political corruption, and political rights to the Gamson typology based on a representative national survey conducted in Egypt. Several results differed from studies conducted in the Western world. Dissidents were more likely to engage in conventional political activities, which goes against the Gamson hypothesis. High efficacy regardless of trust level predicted conventional activities. This study aims not only to enrich the model but also to enhance our understanding of the diverse nature of the relationships among the Gamson typology and perceptions of political system, media use, and political activities in a non-Western authoritarian state.

Author Biographies

Bahaa Gameel, The University of Texas at Austin

Bahaa Gameel is currently a PhD candidate (ABD) in the Department of Radio-Film-Television at The University of Texas at Austin. His research builds from a media studies perspective to focus on new media, media literacy, digital inequality, political communication, global media and media in the Middle East.

Shuning Lu, The University of Texas at Austin

Shuning Lu is a doctoral student in School of Journalism at University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests lie in fields of political communication, journalism and new information technologies, with a special focus on China.

Hyeri Jung, The University of Texas at Austin

Hyeri Jung is a Ph.D. student in the School of Journalism, College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. Her main research interests revolve around transnational media culture and pop culture as soft power in international settings. 

Thomas J. Johnson, The University of Texas at Austin

Thomas J. Johnson is the Amon G. Carter Jr. Centennial Professor in the School of Journalism at University of Texas at Austin and the Director of the Digital Media Research Program. His research interests center on uses and effects of digital media

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Published

2017-04-28

Issue

Vol. 11 (2017)

Section

Articles

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