The Multiple Streams Framework and Non-Politicized Issues: The Case of Assisted Dying/Assisted Suicide

Abstract

This article applies agenda-setting theory, and the multiple streams framework in particular, to consider why assisted dying/assisted suicide (AD/AS) has not been legalized in the United Kingdom, and also what the prospects are for policy change. AD/AS provides an interesting test case for agenda-setting theory, which tends to focus on governmental agendas (Kingdon 2011, 3) and has thus been said to ‘say less about the policy outcomes of such nonpoliticized policy processes’ (Green-Pedersen 2007, 286) that generally characterize morality polices. Agenda-setting theory provides valuable insights into this case, which reveals an important role for government even on this free vote matter of conscience. However, the case highlights aspects of agenda-setting theory relating to assumptions on legitimacy and the power of persuasion that fare less well, and which have implications for the future study of morality policies.

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