Social Problems by Joel Best: Ch. 5

Primary claims

One of the initial claims, usually presented by activists or experts, that begin the social Problems process

Newshole

Refers to having a a space or time available to present news

Risk society

Society in which social problems are often constructed in terms of risks

Agenda setting

Choosing which claims will receive the attention of media or policy makers

Popular culture

Commercial entertainment

Landmark narratives

A typifying example that dominates news coverage of a troubling condition, shaping the terms in which the problem is covered and how the news audience understands the problem

Carrying capacity

The number of issues that can receive attention in an arena

Media coverage

Attention from mass outlets, such as newspapers and television, that can bring claims to the attention of a wide audience

Packages

A familiar construction of a particular troubling condition, including specifications of its causes and solutions

Arenas

A public venue where social Problems claims can be presented

Condensing symbols

A shorthand element, such as a landmark narrative, typifying example, slogan, or visual image, that evokes a package

News work

The job of locating and presenting news to the larger public

Secondary claims

The medias transformation of a primary claim; usually shorter and more dramatic

Bias

A tendency for media workers personal beliefs and views on an issue to interfere with balanced and impartial coverage

Sociological imagination

The ability to see private troubles in terms of larger public issue