Overton window
From Envirowiki
The Overton window is a theory proposed by Joseph P. Overton[1], that states that there is a certain limit (or "window") to topics covered in acceptable public debate, but that that window can be pulled one direction or another by views that are more extreme than are normally accepted.
Contents |
[edit] 1 Example
For example, if the tobacco industry were interested in muddying the water of the smoking/public health debate such that it would increase their sales, they might want to say that "smoking isn't unhealthy". But in the current climate, such a view would be ridiculed, as it is fairly extreme - and on the edge of the Overton window. Thus it might be in their interest for someone else, especially someone with some perceived credibility, to publicly state that not only are cigarettes not bad for you, but that they actually increase the lifespan of the average smoker. Whether this view was accepted or not wouldn't matter, but it would act to push the overton window in one direction, and would make the original view of the tobacco industry seem less extreme, and therefore more palatable.
[edit] 2 Scale
There Overton window concept operates on a scale[2], from least popular to most, ie:
- Taboo
- Radical
- Acceptable
- Agreeable
- Popular
- Standardised in culture (policy, or tradition)
Sometimes policy can come earlier, and drag culture along with it, sometimes mainstream culture drags policy.
[edit] 3 The overton window and climate change
The policies for climate change are currently becoming popular, however, the most pupular policy suggestions are much weaker than required for a safe climate. Safe climate policies (1-1.5 degrees, 350ppmv, zero emissions, etc.) are still considered extremely radical, and people won't call for them for fear of being ostracised. According to the Overton window theory, even more radical targets (perhaps a return to pre-industrial levels?) should be called for by some, in order that those calling for safe-climate policies get a better hearing.
