Framing in policy refers to how issues are presented and understood in public discussions. This significantly influences how people perceive problems and their possible solutions. It's essentially about choosing specific words and angles to shape public opinion and understanding.
How Framing Works
The process of framing in policy generally involves:
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Setting the Agenda: The initial step involves identifying the problem and bringing it to the forefront of public attention. FrameWorks Institute highlights this as a crucial initial stage.
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Defining the Problem: Framing shapes how the problem is defined. Different frames can emphasize various aspects, leading to different understandings of the issue. For example, climate change can be framed as an environmental problem, an economic problem, or a social justice problem.
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Proposing Solutions: Once the problem is framed, potential solutions are presented within that framework. The chosen frame influences which solutions are deemed acceptable and effective.
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Influencing Public Opinion: Effective framing influences public perception, guiding support for specific policies and actions. BI Team notes that "framing effects" are when people's views shift based on how an issue is described.
Examples of Framing in Policy
- Climate Change: Framing climate change as a threat to public health can elicit a different response than framing it as an economic issue.
- Healthcare: Framing healthcare as a right versus a privilege impacts discussions about access and affordability.
- Immigration: Framing immigration as a security threat versus an economic opportunity shapes public opinion and policy debates.
Paul Cairney uses the metaphor of "framing" to describe how we understand and selectively use language to portray policy issues. This selective use of language significantly affects how people perceive and interpret the policies under discussion.
A scoping review (PMC) even demonstrates the powerful influence of framing research on understanding ideas and human behavior within the policy process. Further, a study on how framing strategies create robust policy ideas (Policy and Society) showcases the significant role of framing in shaping lasting policy.
