The Third City: Framing The Campaign to #CloseRikers

• In Event: Open Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 8: Social Movements and Collective Action

Abstract

In this research, I trace the development of collective action frames and framing processes emanating from the Campaign to #CloseRikers in New York City. The campaign is divided into two temporal phases in which the objectives of the movement are different. From 2016 to 2019, the campaign sought after a commitment from City Hall to #CloseRikers. Upon achieving commitment in mid-October 2019, the campaign has remained steadfast on #CloseRikers implementation which persists up to the present moment. I trace the development of frames through semi-structured interviews with #CloseRikers campaign leaders and members alongside a qualitative content analysis of online documents written by campaign figures. Findings reveal two themes. First, frame amplification is more prominent when action frames are less developed. Second, frame extension becomes more prominent when a campaign moves closer to their objectives. These findings advance the social movements literature by associating specific framing processes with defined timeframes.

Author

• Ron Wellington, Rutgers University