- Up and down with
ecology--
the "issue-attention
cycle"
American public attention
rarely remains sharply focused upon any one domestic issue for very
long--even if it involves a continuing problem of crucial importance
to society. Instead, a systematic "issue-attention cycle" seems strongly
to influence public attitudes and behavior concerning most key
domestic problems. Each of these problems suddenly leaps into prominence, remains there for a short time, and then --though still largely
unresolved--gradually fades from the center of public attention.
A study of the way this cycle operates provides insights into how
long public attention is likely to remain sufficiently focused upon
any given issue.
