Untangling Prison Expansion in Oregon: Political Narratives and Policy Outcomes
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Date
2010-06
Authors
Cate, Sarah Diane, 1986-
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This thesis examines the significant expansion of prisons in Oregon in the last
fifteen years. In order to explain the evolution of Oregon's prison growth, the thesis
analyzes the ways discourses and representations of crime have justified and explained
voter approval for punitive policies in Oregon. Drawing from multi-disciplinary literature
that documents the central role played by issue framing and discourse construction in
political conflicts, I use the case of the 1994 campaign in which key crime initiatives were
passed by Oregon voters. The thesis argues that policy decisions and election outcomes are
closely related to long-standing perceptions of"insiders" and "outsiders" as a way to view
societal problems. Utilizing an extensive media analysis, this thesis considers how political narratives have influenced the passage of ballot measures committed to a punitive direction in crime policy.
Description
xii, 101 p. : ill. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
Keywords
Prisons -- Oregon, Crime -- Oregon