Public opinion studies often prioritize generalizability, focusing on whether relationships among variables are both theoretically significant and empirically observable. However, these relationships are invariably shaped by the surrounding environment, historical factors, and socio-political contexts. To deepen our understanding of public opinion, the field must move beyond assumptions of universal applicability and instead examine the specific conditions under which these relationships hold—or break down. Contextualization, far from being a limitation, enhances the explanatory power of public opinion research (Rojas & Valenzuela, 2019).
This special issue of Public Opinion Quarterly, scheduled for publication in June 2026, invites submissions that highlight the importance of cross-national, cross-cultural, and cross-contextual approaches to public opinion research. We encourage contributions that explore how contextual factors help shape public opinion, moving the field towards a more nuanced, context-dependent understanding of the dynamics at play.
We recognize that conducting contextual comparative research is challenging (Esser & Vliegenthart, 2017). It is often theoretically and methodologically complex, demanding extensive data, resources, and profound local knowledge. However, by addressing these challenges, scholars can strengthen public opinion theory, revealing the contingent conditions under which established relationships materialize.
We welcome submissions that examine public opinion formation across different national and subnational contexts and levels of analysis. Cross-national comparisons are highly encouraged. Additionally, we invite research using subgroup analyses or multilevel methods to investigate how various contexts shape individual-level phenomena within a single country. Qualitative and mixed-methods studies are also encouraged, particularly those that explore contextual factors in depth and complement quantitative findings. Submissions that develop or critique methods for capturing context-specific dynamics are encouraged.
Research articles, research notes, and research syntheses should be submitted no later than 18 May 2025 via the journal’s submission system at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/poq, following the journal’s manuscript preparation guidelines.
Authors must include a cover letter that clearly states that the manuscript has been submitted for consideration for the 2026 Special Issue “Advancing Public Opinion Research Across Countries and Contexts.” Submissions will undergo the journal's standard peer-review process, with initial blind screening by the issue editors to determine suitability.
Queries should be directed to guest editors Hernando Rojas (University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, hrojas@wisc.edu), Sebastián Valenzuela (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile,
savalenz@uc.cl), and Hsuan-ting Chen (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, htchen@cuhk.edu.hk).
