Citation

Lebow RN. J. Glob. Secur. Stud. 2016; 1(4): 356-360.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, International Studies Association, Publisher Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jogss/ogw013

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

If we take the definition of censorship as the control of information and ideas circulated within a society through the suppression of words and images, you have part of the answer. But we should not only think of overt forms of control and suppression, but also more indirect forms that occur through socialization. In all communities, individuals are socialized to act in accord with established norms and practices. Those who do not may be labeled deviants and stigmatized. Anxious to avoid stigmatization, but also to gain from acting in acceptable ways, people engage in self-censorship. They monitor what they say and do, and perhaps even what they allow themselves to think. Broadly speaking, we might say self-censorship can take two forms: a choice made and an...

Language: en