Perspectives + Agenda Setting

Question 1

Rational Perspective

Answer 1

focuses on scientific knowledge and evidence to assess costs and benefits.
· cyclical and linear
· problems must be measured efficiently and coherently
· politics vs administration

Question 2

Rational Perspective on Agenda Setting (3)

Answer 2

1. reliable evidence (media & public attention)
2. look on the longevity of the problems and their relevance over time (barrier model)
3. bounded rationality

Question 3

Rational Perspective on Agenda Setting Stream

Answer 3

Problem Stream by highlighting problems in a set way for policymakers to notice them so problem indicators are reinforced.

Question 4

Political Perspective

Answer 4

based on power interests and dynamics
· network management is seen as a power tool
· policy processes are incremental rather than linear

Question 5

Political Perspective on Agenda Setting (5)

Answer 5

1. power decides which problems need to be included
2. political competition and desirability (voters’ support&mobilisation of bias)
3. Politics of Attention: problem politicisation
4. Advocacy Coalitions
5. policy entrepreneurs: actors trying to promote or prevent policy windows

Question 6

Political Perspective on Agenda Setting Stream

Answer 6

Political Stream influenced by the public mood which shifts power balances.

Question 7

Cultural Perspective

Answer 7

culture shaping policies due to social interaction & construction
· knowledge and feelings
· quality of argumentation
· subjectivity not objectivity

Question 8

Cultural Perspective on Agenda Setting(4)

Answer 8

1. problems are humanised, create a narrative
2. persuasion for the problem to be implemented
3. Policy Frame is a selective and normative way to attribute social meaning to a problem
4. target group construction

Question 9

Cultural Perspective on Agenda Setting Streams

Answer 9

Problem Stream because every problem will differ, despite being the same, due to different views

Question 10

Institutional Perspective

Answer 10

institutions are melting and reshaping
· path dependency
· Rule of Law
· logic of consequences and appropriateness

Question 11

Institutional Perspective on Agenda Setting (3)

Answer 11

1. path dependency based on positive or negative feedback
   +: logic followed by framing or shift of agendas
   -: prevent attention of issues
2. institutional realignment
3. maintain policy monopoly

Question 12

Institutional Perspective on Agenda Setting Streams

Answer 12

Policy Stream by inhibiting or providing opportunities for agenda setting

Question 13

What is the Multiple Streams Model? (Kingdom, 1984)

Answer 13

the model argues that when the 3 streams are aligned, problems move within the agenda universe and are more likely to be considered in the agenda

Question 14

Problem Stream

Answer 14

based on evidence impacting the way the problem is portrayed, this reinforces the attention of policymakers to focus on the problem

Question 15

Policy Stream

Answer 15

which resources, liability and budget are allocated to address problems with existing solutions

Question 16

Political Stream

Answer 16

problems become politicised so there is greater support from the public

Question 17

What is a window of opportunity?

Answer 17

When all three streams are simultaneously combined and problems enter into the agenda to reach solutions.

Question 18

Social Construction of Target Groups
- consequences (3) (SII)
(Cultural Perspective)

Answer 18

1. instrumental effects: benefits/burdens
2. symbolic effects: negative or positive images
3. institutionalisation: images reproduced in norms and rules of bureaucrats

Question 19

Social Construction of Target Groups
- degenerative policy design (2)

Answer 19

1. Stigmatisation: positive or negative measures reinforcing beliefs
2. One-Man-One-Vote System: some groups receiving more attention than others