Chapter 10 Claims across Space and Time Norton Media Library Joel Best.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Claimsacross

Space andTime

Norton Media Library

Joel Best

Social Problems Copyright © 2008 W.W. Norton & Company

Examining social problems

Constructionists need to examine social problems claimsmaking campaigns to see parallels instead of only examining one at a time



Comparing social problems claimsmaking campaigns – possible options Geography: how different geographic entities (i.e.,

cities, states, nations) handle claims Time: how same kind of claims are managed in

different historical eras Similar conditions: how are claims in the same

category or orientation alike or not? Similar constructions: asking what shared

characteristic(s) diverse social problems have in common



Diffusion: spread of innovation from one society or place or time or setting to another Transmitters share the innovation with those who

will come to adopt it More likely when societies have similar cultural

patterns



Occurs through interactive channels between possible transmitters and possible adopters Relational channels: direct interpersonal interaction

between them Nonrelational channels: those connections that do not

utilize interpersonal ties Adopters play key roles



Societal differences effect process of diffusion also, because what works in one society may not be successful in another due to it’s cultural norms, etc.

Easier when involves theorization (abstract claimsmaking using general principles)


Claimsmaking cycles

Current claimsmakers often focus on just the current condition that is troubling them

But understanding that many successful claims occur in cycles, and have had other peaks of enthusiasm, only to have interest wane, could help current claimsmakers to construct claims in ways that keep the audience’s interest high for longer periods of time


Claimsmaking cycles

Understanding claimsmaking cycles Need for newness/freshness in claims and not

always possible to keep a campaign novel for long periods of time

Why do they exist? Least likely answer: troubling condition itself waxes and

wanes More likely answer: waves of concern but condition

stays relatively stable over time; what may change is how people react to the condition (e.g., the media may pay more attention during peaks and then much less attention in other times)


Claimsmaking cycles

Axes of variation: ongoing troublesome issues or conditions that persist over time in any one society; may flare up at various times under certain contingencies and allow for significant claimsmaking Constant flow of potential grievances Heightened tension more likely to lead to period of

claimsmaking about a variety of different problems at the same time


Problem of progress

Rhetoric of claimsmakers often downplays progress – why is that? Focus on perfectability: goal is to eradicate the

troubling condition, not just improve it Matter of proportion: as life in society improves,

claimsmakers have to focus more of their efforts on smaller problems than before


Problem of progress

Proliferation of social problems claims: new forms of media reach highly targeted audiences, so that claimsmakers can find highly “protective” audiences who are less likely to criticize them

Paranoia: problems not just bad, but the claimsmaking rhetoric is about horrific extremes


Problem of progress

So makes sense, given these rhetorical strategies, that few claimsmakers will argue that success (progress) is happening


Case study: Studying Immigration Claims across Time and Space

End Chapter 10

This concludes the Norton Media LibrarySlide Set for Chapter 10

W. W. Norton & CompanyIndependent and Employee-Owned

Social Problems

ByJoel Best

Chapter 10 Claims across Space and Time Norton Media Library Joel Best.

Documents

Transcript of Chapter 10 Claims across Space and Time Norton Media Library Joel Best.