Day 15: Problems: Interests · Mallinson Day 15 September 25, 2017 5 / 19. A Political Contest \In...
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Day 15: Problems: Interests Daniel J. Mallinson School of Public Affairs Penn State Harrisburg [email protected] PUBPL 304 Mallinson Day 15 September 25, 2017 1 / 19
Transcript of Day 15: Problems: Interests · Mallinson Day 15 September 25, 2017 5 / 19. A Political Contest \In...
Day 15: Problems: Interests
Daniel J. Mallinson
School of Public AffairsPenn State [email protected]
PUBPL 304
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Road map
Finish discussing causes and start discussing role ofinterest groups in problem framing
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Problem Definition
Symbols
Numbers
Causes
Interests
Decisions
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Types of Causal Theories
Consequences
Actions Intended Unintended
Unguided Mechanical Cause Accidental Cause
Guided Intentional Cause Inadvertent Cause
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A Political Contest
Not just about finding “the” cause
Claimant
Show that previously-assumed natural cause is anintentional/inadvertent harm
Respondent
Claim strongest position possible, then blame shift, then take weakerposition, then claim inadvertent harm
Law and Science
Legitimize claims of causation
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A Political Contest
“In the polis, causal stories need to be fought for,defended, and sustained.” (Stone, 223)
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Using Causal Claims
Challenge or reinforcethe status quo
Assign responsibility andcost
Give authority to “fixers”
Create new alliances
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Interests
Nuclear Power
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Interests
“... people and organizations who have a stake in
an issue or are affected by it.” (Stone, 229)
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Nuclear Power
Who are the interests?
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Market vs. Polis Views of Interests
MarketIndividual
Selective
Formedindependently
PolisDynamic
Social
Elite-driven
Interests and issuesdefine each other
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Source of Interests
Group identities and membership
Leaders articulate interests for groups
Thus, interests are latent until activated
Paradox of representation: Leader speech seeks to convinceothers and followers
Why? Mobilization
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Mobilization
Lots of interests, not all are demanded
Common interest + organization for influencing policy
Types of groups:
ProfessionalSocial movementsAdvocacy organizations
Suppression of mobilization
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Theories
Pluralism
Rational Choice
Stone’s Polis
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Pluralism
1950s - 1970s
All groups have equal chanceto be heard
Competition ensures equalityof voice
Groups will form as a naturalresult of grievances
No recognition of grouppower imbalances
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Rational Choice
1970s - 1980s
Interest mobilization isexception, not the rule
Groups need to offer selectivebenefits
Free-rider problem
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Stone’s Polis
Builds on more recentresearch and theory
Missed realities of rationalchoice:
RelationshipsWe talkPerpetual energy ofcollective actionPassionSymbols and ambiguity
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How Issues and Interests Define Each Other
Benefits
Costs Diffuse Concentrated
Diffuse Gradual expansion Benefactor mobilizes
Concentrated Opposition mobilizes Stalemate;alternative victories
How does this apply to nuclear power?
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How Issues and Interests Define Each Other
Benefits
Costs Diffuse Concentrated
Diffuse Gradual expansion Benefactor mobilizes
Concentrated Opposition mobilizes Stalemate;alternative victories
How does this apply to nuclear power?
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Key Point
“Policy issues don’t determine the kind of political
contests that occur; instead, politics shapes the
way policy issues are portrayed and perceived in
the first place.” (Stone, 241)
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