Competing definitions: a public policy analysis of the federal recreational fee demonstration program

Abstract

Problem definition theory specifies that however controls the definition of a problem is in a unique position to control debate over the issue, influence others, and determine the problem's place on the agenda. This paper uses a rhetorical analysis and a questionnaire survey of congressional aides to examine the federal Recreational Fee Demonstration Program. Results suggest that 3 groups -- agencies, environmental organizations, and industry groups -- are competing for control of this problem. The questionnaire results suggest that the congressional aides are not strongly committed to any particular ideological position, so that the problem definition remains unresolved.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2002 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

More, Thomas A. E. 2003. Competing definitions: a public policy analysis of the federal recreational fee demonstration program. In: Schuster, Rudy, comp., ed. Proceedings of the 2002 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-302. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 8-13