Hallin's spheres

Hallin's spheres are imaginary bubbles that surround people when they think about politics. These bubbles help us understand how we think and feel about politics depending on how close or far we are from the political world. There are three bubbles or spheres, which are named after different occupations: the media sphere, the government sphere, and the civil society sphere.

The media sphere is like a big bubble that surrounds journalists, reporters, and people who work in the news or entertainment industry. These people produce the news, TV shows, movies, and other media that we use to learn about politics. They decide what to report on and how to report it. They also shape how we think and feel about politics.

The government sphere is like a bubble that surrounds politicians, bureaucrats, and other people who work in the government. They make decisions about laws, taxes, and public policies that affect our lives. They represent us in the world and interact with other countries. They also enforce the law and protect us from threats.

The civil society sphere is like a bubble that surrounds ordinary citizens, civil rights activists, religious groups, and non-profit organizations. These people represent the public interest and try to influence government decisions. They advocate for human rights, social justice, and environmental issues. They also provide services and support to people in need.

These spheres are not separate or static but overlap and change over time. For example, a journalist may become a politician, and a non-profit organization may start producing media. Also, some people may have more influence or access to one sphere than the others. Nevertheless, by understanding these spheres, we can appreciate the diversity of voices and values in politics and have a more informed and nuanced view of the world.