Scale Analysis

Olsen’s Political Alienation Scale (OPAS-8) is a psychometric tool designed to measure citizens’ sense of alienation from the political process and the political system. This scale includes various dimensions of political alienation, such as powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, isolation, and self-estrangement.

Purpose of the Scale

The purpose of this scale is to measure and understand the extent and dimensions of citizens’ political alienation. It aims to reveal the degree to which citizens feel detached or disconnected from the political process, structures, and institutions. By assessing feelings of powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, isolation, and self-estrangement, the scale provides valuable insights into citizens’ perceptions and attitudes.
The main goal is to identify the causes of political alienation and determine areas where interventions are needed to increase trust and citizen participation in the political system. Understanding these dimensions can help politicians, sociologists, and policymakers develop strategies to address political alienation, enhance political participation, and improve democratic governance. In this way, the scale contributes to strengthening the connection between citizens and the political system, promoting a more participatory and representative democracy.

Scale Scoring

The OPAS-8 scale consists of 8 items, which are rated as follows:
A = Strongly Agree
D = Strongly Disagree

References

Olsen, M. (1969). Two categories of political alienation. Social Forces, 47, 288–299.
Olsen, Marvin E. (1968). “Two Categories of Political Alienation.” Social Forces, 47. Retrieved 2011-06-21.
Choichiro Yatani. (1982). Attitudes Toward Political Participation and Preference for Violence. Oregon State University. Master of Arts Thesis.