In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Public Opinion in Asia

  • Introduction
  • Survey Experiment in Asia
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Political Science Public Opinion in Asia
by
Kai-Ping Huang, Saiful Mujani
  • LAST MODIFIED: 17 April 2025
  • DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199756223-0379

Introduction

Public opinion polls have gained significant traction in Asia, serving as a valuable tool for governments, businesses, and academia to gauge public sentiment on a wide range of issues. These surveys provide crucial insights into citizens’ perceptions of their country, government, and current affairs, offering a window into the complex tapestry of public opinion in the region. Asian academia plays a vibrant role in conducting both established comparative survey projects and regionally focused initiatives to understand the evolving lifestyles and political attitudes of ordinary people. These studies delve into the impact of modernization, revealing trends that diverge from those observed in Western democracies, prompting a reassessment of prevailing theories. In addition, cultural and institutional factors emerge as significant determinants of political preferences, with surveys indicating that individuals living under authoritarian regimes often express higher satisfaction levels compared to their counterparts in democracies. This seemingly paradoxical finding has spurred research into how people in the region conceptualize democracy, which often diverges from the liberal democratic ideal. Consequently, regime legitimacy hinges heavily on the tangible benefits delivered by the government’s performance. Public opinion polls also serve as a powerful tool for political parties and candidates to gain insights into their strengths and vulnerabilities, enabling them to tailor their campaign strategies effectively. While academic research on voting behavior sheds light on the underlying dynamics of electoral choices, concerns have been raised about the potential for politicians to manipulate public opinion through strategic polling techniques. Moreover, the increasing use of survey experiments has become essential in understanding policy preferences and public opinion. These experimental methods allow researchers to establish causal relationships and gain deeper insights into the factors shaping public attitudes. Overall, public opinion research in Asia has emerged as a dynamic and expanding field, providing invaluable insights into the region’s political and social landscape. The interplay among academic rigor, commercial polling, and political maneuvering underscores the multifaceted nature of public opinion research in Asia, highlighting its significance in shaping the region’s trajectory.

The Development of Survey Research in Asia

The inception of public opinion surveys in Asia can be traced back to Japan in 1883, when the Ministry of Home Affairs conducted a groundbreaking study to gather data on population, agriculture, and industry. This pioneering effort paved the way for other Asian nations to embark on their own survey initiatives, with the British colonial government in India initiating its first survey in 1881 and the Chinese government following suit in 1911. Survey research in the region has undergone a significant transformation over time, with a surge in regional and comparative surveys. The resources provided below offer a concise overview of survey development and highlight exemplary comparative survey projects conducted in the region.

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