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