9/24 Black Lives Matter Movement

Framing and Frames

• framing - meaning-making processes associated with the construction and interpretation of grievances, attribution of blame, selection of targets and tactics, and creation of rationale for movement participation

• Result of discursive, strategic, and contested processes that change over time

• Master frames – broader cultural ideas likely to resonate with the public

Collective Action Frames

• diagnostic framing - identifies the problem and assigns blame

• prognostic framing - suggests solutions, strategies, and tactics

• motivational framing - provides rationale for participating

The core functions of frames are to

• focus attention on activists’ issues

• articulate how movement goals are related to the interests and concerns of the public and policymakers

• transform people’s beliefs, opinions, and potentially their worldview so they will support the movement’s goals

Frame alignment strategy

• bridging - seek support from people holding similar ideas

• amplification - call upon values/beliefs many hold

• extension - enlarge their frame to encompass concerns that prospective supporters are thought to have

• transformation - call upon people to reject a familiar worldview and adopt a new and different frame