Media Influence and Frame Diversity in the Debate Over Same-Sex Marriage

Abstract

In this study the author uses content analysis of newspaper articles to analyze the frames used in debates over constitutional amendments that legally prohibit same-sex marriage and other relationship recognition. The findings from this analysis contradict previous research on mediated public discussion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights that find polarization by values of equal rights versus traditional morality. Instead, analysis shows that debates also invoke broader themes including support of children, competing claims of harm, and separation of government powers. In addition, the author finds that elites and nonelites use themes of morality, marriage, and children at different rates and thus cautions against models that assume too high an influence of elites on nonelite public debate. This research adds to the literature on the role of newspapers in mediating public discussion and has broader implications for the culture wars hypothesis.