Tracing Issue Definition and Policy Change: An Analysis of Disability Issue Images and Policy Response |
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| Authors: | Yongjoo Jeon Donald P Haider-Markel |
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| Institution: | a Ph. D. candidate in political science at the University of Kansas. Currently he is completing his dissertation on issue definitions in U. S. trade policy.;assistant professor of political science at the University of Kansas. He has authored and co-authored several articles and book chapters on policy issues, some of which have appeared in the Journal of Politics, Political Research Quarterly, Policy Studies Journal;, and State Politics and Policy Quarterly. |
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| Abstract: | We examine the role of issue definition in disability policy change. Based on qualitative and quantitative evidence from media coverage and congressional hearings, we conclude that policy change was influenced by the redefinition of disability issues from medical and economic definitions to a new sociopolitical perspective. Specifically, we find evidence that media attention and tone influenced the number of congressional hearings and the tone of these hearings. The change in the congressional definition subsequently contributed to the passage of key legislation based on the sociopolitical/civil rights definition of disability. Importantly, our research supports previous studies that suggest problem definition helps to explain significant policy change. |
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