Social Problems: Frames and Claimsmaking Robert Wonser Spring 2012

Frames Research suggests that a small number of frames (or maybe just one) on any particular issue become dominant in public discourse while others are ignored Frame describes how the public, media, activists, politicians, and anyone else portray social problems. They provide a way to make sense of what we experience

Calmismakers frame issues They do so in ways that reflect their beliefs about the issues but also that get people’s attention and compassion (or derision). Media choose to frame issues in ways that attract the largest audience possible. Media is in the business of using social problems to entertain their audience rather than educating them

Framing Techniques Piggybacking Domain expansion Constructing worthy victims Horrifying examples

What makes some claims more successful than others? Read the article on looksism Is this successful? Why or why not? How would you suggest improving it?