Narrative framing

Definition

Narrative framing refers to the way information and stories are structured and presented to shape perceptions, highlight specific aspects, and influence audience interpretations. This concept plays a critical role in how media portrays subjects, constructs meaning, and affects the audience’s understanding of events and issues by emphasizing certain narratives over others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Narrative framing can significantly impact how characters or events are perceived in scripted television shows, often dictating viewer sympathies and biases.
2. In news media, the choice of language, imagery, and focus can create a specific narrative that may either amplify or downplay diversity in reporting.
3. Online activism often utilizes narrative framing to build solidarity and mobilize audiences around particular issues, emphasizing personal stories to evoke emotional responses.
4. The framing of an issue can lead to different interpretations; for instance, portraying a protest as a 'riot' versus a 'demonstration' alters public perception.
5. Media narratives can reinforce or challenge stereotypes, influencing societal views on race, gender, and other social dynamics.

Review Questions

• How does narrative framing influence the portrayal of characters in scripted television shows?
  • Narrative framing shapes how characters are presented to the audience, influencing viewers' perceptions and emotional responses. For instance, a character's background may be highlighted to evoke sympathy or disdain depending on the narrative being pushed. By choosing which aspects of a character's story to frame prominently, writers can manipulate audience sympathies and create deeper engagement or bias toward specific characters.
• In what ways does narrative framing affect diversity in news reporting?
  • Narrative framing plays a crucial role in how diversity is depicted in news reporting. When news outlets choose to frame stories around particular narratives, they can either highlight underrepresented voices or marginalize them. For example, if coverage of a community issue emphasizes certain racial or ethnic perspectives while ignoring others, it can lead to skewed public understanding and perpetuate stereotypes. This selective framing affects how audiences perceive issues of diversity and inclusion.
• Evaluate the role of narrative framing in online activism and how it impacts social movements.
  • Narrative framing in online activism is essential for mobilizing support and creating a sense of community around social movements. Activists often share personal stories that resonate with broader social issues, using emotional narratives to connect with audiences. This approach can shape public opinion and spur collective action by framing issues as urgent and relatable. As movements evolve, the narratives framed around their goals can significantly influence public discourse and policy changes, highlighting the power of storytelling in digital spaces.

Related terms

Framing Theory: A communication theory that examines how media content is organized and presented to influence public perception and understanding.

Representation: The depiction or portrayal of individuals or groups in media, which shapes audience perceptions and influences societal attitudes.

Agenda-Setting: The process by which media influence the importance placed on the topics of the public agenda, shaping what people think about.