Smith Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Definition: Frame the Problem

Key Concepts

  • Frame the problem as an advocate

  • Rhetorical awareness

Overview

  • Focuses on defining a societal problem to place it on the public policy agenda.

  • Emphasizes advocacy to gain policy makers' attention.

The Beginning of Public Policy Making

  • Perception of Wrong: Public policy making often starts with someone perceiving a societal or environmental issue.

  • Perceptions can lead to conflict or cooperation in defining these issues.

Pathways to Public Attention

  • Triggering Events: Can be large scale (e.g., hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005) or small scale (e.g., personal experiences such as the death of a child due to a drunk driver).

    • These events can create a policy window of opportunity.

  • Choosing the Problem: Influenced by various choosers inside and outside government (e.g., officials, advocacy groups).

Importance of Problem Definition

  • Definition as the First Move: Defines topics and direction of debate.

  • Predicts Solutions: Different definitions lead to different solutions. Example: Defining obesity as a public health problem opens pathways for legislative action.

  • Subjective Nature: Problem definition can be subjective and varies across constituencies.

  • Rhetorical Aspect: Understanding rhetoric is essential; it involves who is speaking, to whom, and how the problem is framed.

Defining a Policy Problem

Goal

  • Recognize problematic conditions and frame the issue purposely.

Objectives

  • Purposeful depiction of the problem.

Product

  • Document can be short (1-page) or long (20+ pages).

Scope

  • Covers individual or collective issues—local or broader impact.

Strategy

  • Provide necessary information and expect flexibility in the writing process.

  • Problem definition is usually iterative; revisions may be needed as understanding evolves.

Getting a Problem onto the Public Agenda

  1. Observation and Inquiry: Understand the problematic conditions effectively by engaging in various tasks.

Task 1: Describe the Problem and Identify Interests

  • Recognize problematic conditions; identify stakeholders.

  • Methods include:

    • Observations of daily routines and work environments.

    • Listening to or crafting stories about the problem from multiple perspectives.

    • Reexamine neglected needs or interests.

    • Work from known concerns and values.

Task 2: Specify the Issues

  • Identify stakeholders' concerns and political disagreements (stakeholders' attitudes and authority).

Task 3: Offer Solutions (if proposing a solution)

  • Solutions depend on policy instruments government can utilize.

  • If proposing, suggest feasible solutions or alternative approaches.

    • Review existing conditions and explore perspectives.

Task 4: Write the Document - Problem Description

  • Apply a rhetorical framework (audience, purpose, context).

  • Document types include letters, memos, briefs, and position papers.

    • Must answer key questions about the problematic conditions, issues, and potential solutions.

  • Ensure sources are cited correctly.

Five Examples with Scenarios

  • Addresses various advocacy communications reflecting different policy processes.

Example 1: Memorandum on Healthcare Benefits for Reserve Component Service Members

  • Highlights a disparity in healthcare between active duty and reserve service members.

  • Identifies problematic conditions affecting medical readiness.

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Examines the implications of narrow vs. broad problem definitions.

  • Encourages iterative revisions and development of document drafts.

Conclusion

  • Problem definition is essential in the policy process, emphasizing advocacy and rhetorical awareness as critical components.