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The technological fix as a frame in media debates about tailpipe emissions

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  • Maddison, Jonathan
  • Watts, Richard

Abstract

Numerous studies of vehicle emission control policies suggest that, in many cases, technology and “technological optimism” shaped the policy process. This study contributes to this literature by content analyzing national media discourse on motor vehicle emissions from 2000 to 2008. We employ the social constructionism and policy design framework to identify problem definitions, policy solutions and policy actors in the media discourse and to deconstruct the role of technology in public debate about vehicle emissions. Our analysis indicates that tailpipe emissions are defined either as a public health or environmental issue, but in either case, ‘technological fixes’ are the most prominent solution promoted by policy actors in the media. The nature of the media debate conflicts with a growing consensus among transportation planners and the public that meaningful, additional reductions in vehicle emissions will require changes in individual travel behavior and transportation planning in addition to advances in technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Maddison, Jonathan & Watts, Richard, 2011. "The technological fix as a frame in media debates about tailpipe emissions," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 294-303.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:33:y:2011:i:3:p:294-303
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2011.10.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. David Calef & Robert Goble, 2007. "The allure of technology: How France and California promoted electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce urban air pollution," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 40(1), pages 1-34, March.
    4. Rajan, Sudhir Chella, 2006. "Climate change dilemma: technology, social change or both?: An examination of long-term transport policy choices in the United States," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(6), pages 664-679, April.
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    1. Weiss, Daniel & Nemeczek, Fabian, 2021. "A text-based monitoring tool for the legitimacy and guidance of technological innovation systems," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    2. Freeman, Patricia K. & Freeland, Robert S., 2016. "Media framing the reception of unmanned aerial vehicles in the United States of America," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 23-29.

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