Political elites use moral language to shift public debates and to persuade and mobilize voters. Despite the significant consequences of morality, little is known about how Dutch politicians use moral language, how journalists amplify this use of moral language, and how citizens’ moral judgment is shaped by public moral discourse. This project studies (1) the dynamics of moral rhetoric by Dutch political elites and journalists, and investigates (2) the impact of these moral messages on citizens. To remedy the negative consequences of moral messaging, we (3) test several interventions.

Funder: NWO M grant

Researchers: Linda Bos, Anna Wickenkamp, Michael Hameleers

Start date: 1-11-2023

End date: 1-11-2028