ABSTRACT
Prognostic frames construct a general line of action and it constructs the responsibility for that action. The social problems game always is about competition, and social problems work always is about persuading audience members that one set of constructions is more believable and important than others. This chapter begins with the major types of competitions facing claims-makers constructing prognostic frames. One form of competition in prognostic frames centers on diagnostic frames. Second, there can be conflicting cultural themes underlying prognostic frames. Third, once a social problem is successful and change is implemented there can be competitions about the consequences of solutions. Finally, there can be competitions for time, energy, and money to solve social problems. There are strategies for constructing effective claims about the characteristics of social problems conditions, victims, and villains, there are strategies associated with constructing prognostic frames that might be more effective than others in changing public policy.
