Framing dynamics and claimsmaking after the Parkland shooting

Bibliographic Data

ID20508301
AuthorsDeana A Rohlinger (0000-0001-6606-9404, Florida State University, corresponding author), Warren Allen (Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey), Caitria DeLucchi (Florida State University)
Year2022
Volume25
Issue5
Pages690-706
Publication date2022-04-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInformation Communication & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-118X • E-ISSN: 1468-4462
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1369118x.2021.2021271
OpenAlexW4205989410
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited26

This paper unpacks how dynamic political and media systems shape the kinds of frames political actors champion, when and how they express support for frames and the implications of both for individual claimsmaking. To do so, we conduct a rigorous qualitative analysis of discourse during a two-week period in which the Florida legislature considered and passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act after a shooter killed 17 people in Parkland, Florida. We systematically explore how two framing dynamics – competition and amplification – shape what frames political actors champion and the relative effects of these dynamics on individual claimsmaking in 438 letters to the editor and op-eds appearing in mainstream outlets, 4,962 emails sent to Florida Governor Rick Scott, and 1,000 tweets. We find that amplification and competition shape the relative visibility of frames and the frequency with which individuals use these frames in their claimsmaking. Generally speaking, gun control and progressive groups selectively amplified frames associated with the emerging, student-led Never Again Marjory Stoneman Douglas movement and legislative frames that were consistent with their goals. This seems to have increased the visibility of these ideas in mainstream outlets and influenced claimsmaking insofar as individuals drew on amplified frames across the forums relatively frequently. This was not true of frames opposing gun control. Gun rights groups bickered with politicians and among themselves. As a result, gun rights frames were less prevalent in mainstream discourse and in individual claimsmaking

Art · Champion · Craft · Gun control · Legislature · Mainstream · Media studies · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Visual arts · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Hate Speech and Cyberbullying Detection · History · Law · Social Media and Politics

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