The Interaction of Policy Narratives, Moral Politics, and Criminal Justice Policy Beliefs

Abstract

Criminal justice reform is one of the many contentious issues we face in an increasingly polarized political climate. Differing perceptions of issues like these may be explained by underlying belief systems and expressed through narratives. This study employs the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) by Moral Politics Theory as the theoretical underpinning for policy narratives. Moral Politics Theory states that policy beliefs are shaped by either a Strict Father (individual responsibility) or Nurturant Parent (societal responsibility) worldview. Visitors to Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site read one criminal justice narrative from each worldview and selected which was more persuasive. Worldview and policy beliefs predicted which narrative was found persuasive; however, the analysis revealed there may be bilateral support for a combination of individual and societal responsibilities. Finally, this study supports and expands the NPF to a new context and population.Related ArticlesErtas, Nevbahar. 2015. “Policy Narratives and Public Opinion Concerning Charter Schools.” Politics & Policy 43 (3): 426‐451. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12120McBeth, Mark K., Donna L. Lybecker, and Kacee Garner. 2010. “The Story of Good Citizenship: Framing Public Policy in the Context of Duty‐Based versus Engaged Citizenship.” Politics & Policy 38 (1): 1‐23. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2009.00226.xShanahan, Elizabeth A., Mark K. McBeth, and Paul L. Hathaway. 2011. “Narrative Policy Framework: The Power of Policy Narratives in Influencing Public Opinion.” Politics & Policy 39 (3): 373‐400. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2011.00295.x