On the origin and diffusion of frames: Theoretical review of frame research and future directions from a network perspective

Abstract

The landscape of frame research within social sciences is characterized by a rather loose and scattered concept, resulting in various characteristics and functions attributed to frames, and by diverging conceptualizations on the origin and diffusion of frames. Although reviews have been conducted to facilitate an overview on the definitions, types, characteristics and functions of frames, a review on the conceptualizations on the origin and diffusion of frames remains outstanding. This is considered relevant, since the scope of a frame can only be determined once we understand where a frame initially emerged, where it becomes manifest and its’ underlying power structures shaping the diffusion. The primary aim of this article is to review the conceptual foundations of frame research, on frames’ origin and diffusion. Building on this review, this article aims at advancing the theoretical underpinning on frames’ origin and diffusion, by elaborating contributions of network theory. A theoretical review has been conducted on the databases ProQuest, EBSCOhost and ScienceDirect. 2805 articles were assessed, 164 articles were reviewed on full text and 75 articles were selected. The conceptualizations of frames range from individual and subjective frames to organizational and culturally induced frames, as well as collectively evolved frames. The elaboration of frames’ origin and diffusion reflect these conceptualizations. Most of the articles imply a top-down diffusion of frames. As an analytical complement, a network approach regarding the origin and diffusion of frames is introduced, putting the individual and its’ network in the center of frames’ origin and diffusion. Further, this article proposes a process-sociological perspective, based on network analysis, for conceiving, and assessing frames. This has implications for conceptualizing the origin and diffusion of frames, and the recognition of power relationships shaping this process.